Length-weight relationship of mangrove clam (Pegophysema philippiana) in different sites within the Baganga, Davao Oriental Province, Philippines

Abstract

Mangrove clam Pegophysema philippiana Reeve, 1850, is common to mangroves muddy substrate in Baganga, Davao Oriental, particularly in barangay Kinablangan, Lucod, Salingcomot and Bobonao. Sampling was done on May 2-7, 2022, during high tide. Mangrove clam length-weight relationship was calculated using the exponential equation W = aLb. A total of 769 mangrove clams were collected during sampling. The biggest (4.4 ± 0.81 cm) and heaviest (43.4 ± 25.3 g) clams were recorded at Bobonao, the smallest was measured at Lucod (3.7 ± 0.65 cm), and the lightest clam was found at Kinablangan (26.8 ± 16.28 g). ANOVA detected significant differences (p < 0.05) in length and weight of mangrove clams between sites. Length-weight relationship of mangrove clam exhibited a strong positive relationship between length and weight; however, different values of slopes were noted. This is very common in bivalves because they are very sensitive to environmental changes. In general, the length-weight relationship of mangrove clam in Baganga, Davao Oriental, revealed allometric growth pattern.