Biochemical changes in relation to the breeding cycles of Nausitora hedleyi Schepman (Bivalvia: Teredinidae)

Abstract

The biochemical changes in relation to the breeding cycles of Nausitora hedleyi - a typical estuarine boring bivalve were studied. The systematic variations in the annual reproductive cycle were also determined. Samples were collected from Cochin backwaters, Kerala, India. Water content, ash content, glycogen, protein, total nitrogen and non-protein nitrogen, lipids, calcium, chloride and phosphorus contents were estimated. Monthly variations in the average salinity of the ambient water in relation to water content, Nacl and monthly variations in the average dry weight of specimen in relation to glycogen percentage and protein content in the body of N. hedleyi were determined. A correlation between the breeding season and the chemical composition was reported