Seasonal Variation in Biochemical Composition of Black Clam (Villorita cyprinoides) in Cochin Estuary with Special Emphasis on the Impact of Thanneermukkom Bund

Comparatively higher protein, total carbohydrate and caloric values were observed in tissues of organisms collected from Zone B to that of Zone A (Pless than0.001). Carbohydrate Protein ratio was almost steady throughout the study period and on comparison it was observed that there was not much significant difference between two zones at 5 % level. Protein, Carbohydrate, lipid and Caloric value decreased during January and June-July at both the zones. In the case of lipid, there was not much significant difference between zones A and B at 5 % level. Though there was not much significant difference between zones A and B at 5 % level, it was noticed that Zone A has higher annual average of percentage of moisture than Zone B. In all the class ranges at both zones, after July and December there was a sharp decrease in G, S index, Zone B showed a high annual average than Zone A. Clams seen at Zone B showed comparatively higher % of edibility and condition index than that of at Zone A. All the biochemical parameters and indexes were varying with respect to annual reproductive cycle. Salinity of the ambient water and nature of the substratum were found to be having some influence on the biochemical composition of the clam. It is concluded that organisms living at Zone B showed better biochemical composition than those at Zone A.