Dimensional and Weight Characteristics of the Bivalve Mollusk Anadara kagoshimensis (Tokunaga, 1906), an Alien Species in the Sea of Azov

Abstract

For the first time, the dimensional and weight characteristics of the bivalve mollusk Anadara kagoshimensis (Tokunaga, 1906), an alien species in the Sea of Azov, were examined. The relationships between allometric parameters of the mollusk (dimensions and weight) were approximated by power functions. The maximum coefficient of determination was noted for the power-law correlation between shell width and total weight of Anadara; the minimum one was noted for the correlation between its shell height and total weight. Also, the maximum coefficient of determination was noted for the power-law correlation between shell length and wet weight of Anadara soft tissues; the minimum one was noted for the correlation between its shell width and wet weight of soft tissues. The ratio between dry and wet weight of soft tissues was 0.16. A comparison of different Anadara habitats in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Aegean Sea showed that cage farming of these mollusks in moderately saline waters ensures the most favorable conditions for their maximum growth.