Contribution of organic shell matter to biomass estimates of unionid bivalves

Abstract

The amount of acid extractable organic matter in the shell is significantly different in Anodonta cataracta (3.75 ± 0.25% w/w), Elliptio complanata (2.79 ± 0.04%) and Lampsilis ochracea (2.26 ± 0.15%). Within a species values do not change with size or sex. The percentage ash and caloric content do not differ among the species and pooled data give values of 5.13 ± 0.27% and 4567.2 ± 283.5 cal/g dry weight respectively. The organic content of the shell accounted for between 4.6 and about 30% of the total energy content, depending on species and size.