Allometric Equations between the Shell Length and the Weight of the Asari Clam Ruditapes philippinarum in Ise Bay

Abstract

Allometric equations between the shell length and the weight of the Asari clam Ruditapes philippinarum, which were collected at six locations in Ise Bay, central Japan, were estimated. The single allometric equation could be applied to the relationships between shell length (L, mm) and its total wet weight (TWW, g WW); TWW = 2.4×10^-4×L^2.97 (r² = 0.99). The allometric equation between shell length and soft tissue dry weight (SDW, g DW) was SDW = 3.6×10^-6×L^3.30 (r² = 0.88). However, the latter equation could not be applicable due to great variability of the SDW seasonally and geographically.