Tisreo

Name : Meretrix casta

Class : Bivalvia

Order : Venerida

Family : Veneridae

Description :

Thick, moderately large shell with a brown horny periostracum. A dark greyish band is present at the posterior margin of the shell. This clam breeds throughout the year in the backwaters but the reproductive activity is at its peak in July-August, in October-November and for a third time in the summer months of March-April.

Size

Maximum length: 3.4 cm (TL), common length: 2-2.5 cm (TL)

Diet

It is a filter feeder that feeds on phytoplankton, zooplankton and suspended organic materials.

Utilization

Marketed shell on and without shell. It is consumed in various forms steamed, cooked and fried

Gears

Handpicking, gillnet, diving, dredgers.