Seasonal Variations in Biochemical Composition of Short Neck Clam Paphia malabarica from Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala, India

Gross biochemical composition and condition index of short neck clam Paphia malabarica was investigated from February 2023 to July 2024. Proteins, lipids and total carbohydrate showed similar patterns of variation according to the reproductive cycles, highlighting the importance of the reproductive cycle and physiological features of the species and also the influence of environmental conditions in determining biochemical composition. Protein and lipids were maximum in the mature clams (533.4 μg/mg and 48.2 μg/mg respectively) and decreased during and after spawning. Carbohydrates increased during summer (126.4 μg/mg in February 2024) and decreased during monsoon. Condition index was influenced by environmental conditions, which further determined the spawning seasons. Condition index was maximum in January 2024 and minimum in June 2024 with an index value of 9.3 and 6.6 respectively.