POSSIBILITIES OF CULTIVATION OF CHAMELEA GALLINA (LINNAEUS, 1758) CLAM ALONG EASTERN ADRIATIC COAST

• Main Authors: Iris Dupčić, Ana Bratoš
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2004-09-01
• Series: Croatian Journal of Fisheries
• Subjects: chamelea gallina; clams; farming; hatchery
• Online Access: http://ribarstvo.agr.hr/articles/75622_MOGU_NOSTI_UZGOJA_KU_ICE_CHAMELEA_GALLINA_(LINNAEUS_1758)_UZ_ISTO_NU_OBALU_JADRANA__hr.pdf

Chamelea gallina clam is among 16 shellfish species commonly present on Croatian fish markets. In the year 2000, European fishermen collected 39,819 tons of this species. The most abundant settlements of Chamelea gallina are situated along western Adriatic coast, however, there are settlements along eastern Adriatic coast especially in the estuaries of Neretva and Cetina, Nin and Novigradsko more areas, as well as along the coasts of islands; Brač, Rab and Susak. Ecological parameters affect growth rates, reproduction and mortality. Due to great temperature oscillations insufficient spat recruitment occurs on occasion. Temperature values determine the time and the intensity of spawning. Hatcheries insure constant and secure spat resource. Adults from brood stock mature during conditioning process, after which they are transferred into spawning tanks for fertilization. Brood stock, larvae, and spat are fed by cultured phytoplankton species.