Present investigation was aimed to study the seasonal variation in salinity induced histological alterations in digestive gland of estuarine clam Paphia laterisulca. In this study, clams (35-40 mm) were exposed to lower salinity ranges (100% to 10%) during all three seasons (summer, post-monsoon and winter). Salinity induced histological alterations in clam was prominently observed below 70% salinity range of exposure. On the basis of histological changes in digestive gland, it is clear that, overall lower salinity tolerance limit of the clam is up to 70% salinity i.e. 30% reduction in salinity as compared to the normal salinity of estuary in that season. Below their adaptive limit of the salinity range of 50% and 40% salinity, critical structural alterations in hepatopancreas were marked in the clam species.

Paphia laterisulca, salinity, digestive gland, histology, seasons