Analysis of the influence of two kinds of shell characteristics on the total weight and soft tissue weight of the clam <em>Cyclina sinensis</em>

Abstract

To reveal the influence of shell traits between two shell colors on the body and soft tissue weight of the clam <em>Cyclina sinensis</em>, a total of 1000 individuals (500 with white shells and 500 with purple shells) were randomly selected to analyze the effects of shell length, shell height, shell width, ligament length, and shell weight on the body and soft tissue weight. The results indicated that the shell traits of the clam were significantly correlated with the total weight and the soft tissue weight at an extremely significant level (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Shell height was the main determinant of total body weight and soft tissue weight in the white shell group and the mixed group. Shell length is the main characteristic that determines the total weight and soft tissue weight of the purple shell. The optimal multiple regression equations with total weight and soft tissue weight as dependent variables and other characteristics as independent variables were established for the two shell color groups of <em>C. sinensis</em>. The results provided a theoretical basis for the breeding and production of the clam.