Exotic hard clam in Tokyo Bay identified as Mercenaria mercenaria by genetic analysis

ABSTRACT:   An exotic hard clam has been observed in Tokyo Bay since the mid-1990s, which has been morphologically identified as Mercenaria mercenaria . The authors have determined 444-bp partial nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 16S rRNA gene of 31 hard clam individuals collected in three locations of Tokyo Bay. Phylogenetic analysis indicated all individuals to be M. mercenaria . Two shell interior colorations (white or purple) were observed, but no relationships between the colorations and mtDNA haplotypes were detected. Frequency of clam individuals having white or purple shell significantly differed among locations, which was accompanied by heterogeneous amounts of acid-volatile sulfides and organic matter and mud ratio.