Seasonal changes in condition and biochemical constituents of the brackish water clam.

The Mactrid clam Rangia cuneata which occurs as the dominant member of the benthic community in low salinity (0-15 o/oo) estuaries from Mexico to the U.S. Middle Atlantic States was studied from April, 1970 through March, 1971. Studies included: (1) observation on growth, (2) assessments of various indices of condition, and (3) seasonal changes in biochemical constituents. These were correlated for assessment of R. cuneata as an indicator species for the low salinity areas of the estuary.