A Preliminary Study on Some Properties for Chamelea gallina (L.,) (Bivalvia: Verenidae from Karabiga-Çanakkale

Abstract

Chamelea gallina has known as cik in Turkey, is a filter feeder that profits from high primary production. It can reach a maximum size of a 5 cm. and an age of more than 6yrs. At present more than 400,000 tons of venerid clams are harvested yearly in the world. The first catch of Chamelea gallina was done in 1988, along the coasts of the Sea of Marmara using an hydraulic dredge called a comb. Nowadays, it was harvested with the same gear between 1 September and 1 May with hydraulic dredges. According to the research findings, the length and width of Chamelea gallina (L.) specimens from Karabiga, Canakkale is between 1.81-3.50 mm and 21.1-36.9 mm respectively. 147 specimens were found of the catch. Chamelea gallina is processied and exported from Canakkale and its vicinity. The average meat yield of Chamelea gallina is about 23% of the total live weight.