On condition index and percentage edibiliy of the shortneck clam Paphia malabarica (Chemintz) from estuarine regions of Ratnagiri,west coast of India

Paphia malabarica is an important clam species, which has formed vast beds in the Kalbadevi estuary (Shirgaon creek) and Kajali estuary (Bhatye creek), Ratnagiri. They are exploited here commercially throughout the year for local as well as external markets due to the heavy demand. This study was undertaken to assess seasonal variations in the quality of the meat of clams by estimating the condition index and percentage edibility. Higher values were recorded during the monsoon (June–August). A rapid decline was observed in the edibility values from November onwards. Higher condition index and percentage edibility were recorded from June to November, indicating the high quality of clam meat.