Shell growth and biometry of the striped venus Chamelea gallina (L) in the Marmara Sea, Turkey

Abstract

Growth of the striped venus Chamelea gallina (L. 1758) in the northern Marmara Sea was studied by aging the shells. Internal growth bands with a seasonal pattern were identified on cross sections of the shell. During the period of reduced growth in October and February, a narrow hyaline band is formed. A large opaque band is formed between March and October. In the longest period of maximal growth, the increment coincides with the summer thermal maxima. C. gallina grows rapidly, reaching a length of 15 mm at the end of the first year and 21 min at the end of the second year. At the end of the fourth and the fifth year, the length reaches 26 and 29 min, respectively. The study of functional regressions permits us to conclude that the growth is allometric.