A fishery for
arkshell (blood) clams, Noetia ponderosa and
Anadara ovalis, began in the early 1990s on the
Eastern Shore of Virginia. Several studies were
conducted to learn more about these two species for purposes
of fishery management and future aquaculture endeavors.
Gametogenic cycles of both species were studied, as well
as condition index for Noetia ponderosa, the
more abundant blood clam in the fishery. Laboratory and
field predation experiments were also conducted to identify
potential predators and estimate predation rates.
Spawning patterns for the two species differ substantially,
with Noetia spawning during the winter and summer months,
and Anadara spawning only during summer months. Condition
index for Noetia ranged from 7.4 to 11.3 and generally
reflected stages of gametogenesis throughout the year
as well as fluctuations in water temperatures in the spring
and fall. The xanthid crab, Panopues herbstii,
is the major predator of juvenile Anadara (about 20 mm
in height).