Distribution, size and density of Corbicula fluminea at Pattani and Saiburi rivers in Southern Thailand

• Main Authors: Mohamad Shamsul, Zaween Najjah, Eh Rak, Aweng, Hajisamae, Sukree
• Format: Journal and Bulletin
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://discol.umk.edu.my/id/eprint/9575/1/doc00334620170808111720.pdf; http://discol.umk.edu.my/id/eprint/9575/

Abstract: Corbicula fluminea has been a traditional food for the locals from both Kelantan and Southern Thailand. However, the ecology of C. fluminea has not been fully explored in Malaysia and also in Southern Thailand. The objective of this study is to compare the size and density of C. p fluminea in Pattani and Saiburi rivers. C. fluminea were sampled in two different rivers at Southern Thailand; Pattani River and Saiburi River. The water quality parameters measured are dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and the nutrient analysis of phosphate and nitrate. Both rivers have a suitable pH levels range (6.53-6.7), temperature range (31-34°C) and dissolved oxygen (3.3-8.1 mg/L) that ensure the survival of C. fluminea. C. fluminea were collected and measured its shell length which is most abundant in length size ll-20 mm. The highest density of C. fluminea recorded at Pattani River was 369 clams per, m2 while only 196 per m2 at Saiburi River. The over-exploitation by the villagers at Saiburi River has caused the density of C. fluminea to differ significantly. The substrate type of these rivers were also anal- ysed; Pattani River has sandy loam substrate while the substrate in Saiburi River is loamy sand. The availability of the phytoplankton was also identified in both rivers and overall there were 29 species from 22 different families in both rivers. This study shows that the density of C. fluminea is likely to be influenced by the water quality rather than substrate types and also the phytoplankton availability. Findings of this research are able to add to the existing database of C. fluminea nationally and internationally. Key words: Corbicula fluminea, habitat, water quality, sediment, phytoplankton, Pattani River, Saiburi River