Abundance, Condition index and Maturation of Mud Clam (Glauconome virens) in the Mangrove Forest, Suratthani Province

บทคัดย่อ

A mud clam (Glauconome virens) is a native bivalve which distributes in the Indo-Pacific region. This mud clam is a deep burrowing bivalve found mostly in muddy bank of the creek in the area of mangrove forest. Fishing activities by local fisherman can have an impact on the population, while the method of collection affects muddy bank erosion and ecosystem in the area. G. virens has been harvested heavily for commercial purposes without any statistical data record. This study was aimed to investigate abundance, length frequency distribution, condition index and maturation of G. virens from Klong Chaiya, Suratthani Province from November 2015 to October 2016 sampled within 3 areas of Klong Chaiya mangrove, Bandon bay, It was found that abundance of mud clam was highest in September 2016 (102 ind.m2) and lowest in November 2015 (33 ind.m2). Shell length ranged from 1.6 cm to 7.8 cm. Size structure in range of 4.1-6.0 cm was mostly found. The condition index was significantly different with the highest in August 2016 (11.46±2.44) and lowest in March 2016 (5.22±1.60). Maturation stages were developed and It spawned throughout the year. The maturation stages of male and female were synchronogamic. The first size of maturation was at 3.2 cm in length. These results are able to apply for future resource management of there clams.