Abstract
The Mactrid clam Rangia cuneata which occurs as the dominant member of the benthic community in low salinity (0-15 ο/οο) estuaries from Mexico to the U.S. Middle Atlantic States was studied from April, 1970 through March, 1971. Studies included: (1) observations on growth, (2) assessments of various indices of condition, and (3) seasonal changes in biochemical constituents. These were correlated for assessment of R. cuneata as an "indicator species" for the low salinity areas of the estuary. Twelve individual clams were collected from Trinity bay, Chambers County, Texas at biweekly intervals and transported to the laboratory at Texas A&M University where analyses were completed. Standard morphometric measurements were made and clams were homogenized at 2-4°C with a small volume of ethanol as fixative. Aliquots were taken for determination of dry and ash weights and for determination of principal biochemical constituents. Condition indices were calculated form ash free dry weights, wet tissue weights and shell contents by displacement and weight, as well as by total weight. Glycogen was determined by the method of Dubois et al. (1956). Protein was precipitated with TCA and determined after Lowry et al. (19510, and lipid was analyzed according to the method of Barnes and Blackstock (1973). ...
Bedinger, Charles Arthur (1974). Seasonal changes in condition and biochemical constituents of the brackish water clam Rangia cuneata (Gray), 1831. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -213412.