Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
2009, Vol 9, Num, 2 (Pages: 127-132)
Growth and Flesh Yield of the Swan Mussel [Anodonta cygnea (Linnaeus, 1758)] (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Lake Çıldır (Kars, Turkey)
2 KTU, Faculty of Marine Science, Dept. Fisheries Tech., 61530 Çamburnu, Trabzon, Turkey DOI : 10.4194/trjfas.2009.0201 Viewed : 4182 - Downloaded : 3866 Swan mussel, Anodonta cygnea (Linnaeus, 1758), plays an important role in the food web of the lake as a primary consumer. However, there is very limited information about the biology, ecology and population structure of this species. Knowledge about the population characteristics of this mussel before the exploitation phase is very important for the management of this species in the future. On the other hand this study is the first record of the swan mussel from Lake Çıldır and determination of the growth and flesh yield of Anodonta cygnea in this lake will be the basic reference for further studies on fisheries and processing activities.
The mean shell length of the specimens was 104.2±0.52 mm (±SE of average) (range 49.8-136.8 mm) and mean live weight 94.8±1.42 g. The relationship between shell length and live weight was estimated as W = 0.0001 L2.88 (r = 0.96). Linear relationship was found between dry flesh weight and shell length (DFW = 0.052 L - 2.3721, r = 0.99). Condition index values based on dry flesh (CI1) and wet flesh weight (CI2) showed monthly fluctuations. The maximum value in July and minimum value in October should probably be attributed to an increase in the larval density in the brood chambers and abundant food at higher water temperature permitting faster growth in July.
Keywords : Anodonta cygnea, Lake Çıldır, growth, flesh yield, condition index