A study on gonadal stages of the edible shortneck clam, Paphia malabarica was undertaken from two sites at Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India from February 2005 to May 2006. Histological studies showed that the clam had an extended spawning period from September to January. Maturing specimens were observed from April and the clams reached the ripe stage during May - June. Cytolysis in the gametes was noticed by the end of January. Only one spawning peak was observed followed by the regression of gonads. Minimum and maximum condition indices were observed in February and September, respectively. From February, most individuals were either in spent or in a short gonadal resting stage. Gonadal development initiated from March onwards. Active gametogenesis started from April to July. The sudden drop in salinity and temperature in September appears to act as stimuli for the initiation of spawning.

Paphia malabarica, temperature, salinity, maturity stages