POPULATION STRUCTURE OF WEDGE CLAM, DONAX TRUNCULUS (BIVALVIA, DONACIDAE), IN THE SOUTHERN SEA OF MARMARA, TURKEY

The growth, reproduction, and density of wedge clam (Donax trunculus) were studied at a depth of 0.5-2 m in Denizkent in the Southern Sea of Marmara, Turkey. Samples were collected monthly between May 2017 and July 2018. The average density of the studied population ranged between 118 individuals m(-2)(November) and 245 individuals m(-2) (July). von Bertalanffy growth parameters using the length-frequency distribution of Donax trunculus were estimated at L-x = 43.85 mm and the rate at which the asymptotic length (L-x) is approached (K) = 0.73y(-1). The slowest growth period was in Janu- ary. Growth performance index, potential longevity and maximum length derived from seasonal parameters were calculated as 3.15, 4.11 y and 42 mm, respectively. The growth pattern showed negative allometric growth (slope [b] = 2.71), the spawning period occurred from April to July and peaked between May and June.