Ecology of Tridacna in Palau

Abstract

Species composition, distribution, standing crop biomass, spawning, and growth rate of Tridacnidae clams were studied in Palau, Western Caroline Islands. The population was composed of six species: Tridama gigas, T. derasa, T. squamosa, T. maxima, T. crocea, and Hippopus hippopus. In random transects, T. crocea was the most frequent and abundant, while T. derasa and T. gigas made up the largest proportion of the standing crop biomass. Spawning was induced artificially in T. squamosa by addition of macerated gonad from one individual to an aquarium containing other individuals, but larval development was not observed. The growth rate of tagged Tridacnidae was slow and further study will be required before an estimate of biomass production can be derived.