How to raise Razor Clam? Where does Razor Clam live? What does Razor Clam eat? If you are looking for answers to questions like these, we invite you to read our article.
Sinonovacula constricta species ranked 14th among hundreds of Razor Clam breeding species with a production of 597 thousand tons in 2001. It is accepted that Razor Clam breeding first started 500 years ago in the Southern China region. Around 200,000 tons of pheasant are produced in an area of approximately 21,000 hectares in China.
The Razor Clam is common on the coasts of China and Japan and can be collected from natural environments and used as food. In our country, Razor Clam collected from the natural environment is used only as fishing bait, not as food. The price of Razor Clam is quite high compared to other seafood products.
The Razor Clam lives by digging a burrow in the sea floor. For this reason, no protection measures are required in Razor Clam breeding. Because it cannot leave its location, it remains fixed for life. It buries itself vertically in the ground. Its burial depth varies depending on its age and size and may be several times its height.
Like other shelled creatures, Razor Clams filter and eat plankton from the water. For this reason, it does not need to be fed while growing. The richness of plankton in the region is sufficient for these creatures. Razor Clam feeds mostly on benthic diatoms. In studies conducted on these creatures found in Japan, Nitzschia sp. and Coscinodiscus sp. It has been determined that similar diatoms are consumed at high rates in the food chain.
Sulinacea Breeding Period
Felix sex discrimination can only be made during the breeding period. During this period, the male reproductive organ becomes milky white. Coloration is seen in the ovaries of female Razor Clams. Breeding time is between September and January. This period may vary depending on the region and the water temperature in the region. Adult Razor Clam can lay eggs 3-4 times in two-week periods during the breeding period. It can lay 150-200 thousand eggs each time.
The larvae that hatch from the eggs undergo a period of metamorphosis. This period lasts 8-10 days depending on water temperature. Afterwards, the larvae turn into baby Razor Clams that can cling to the ground.
Development in Razor Clam Larvae
It is observed that development begins 30 minutes after fertilization in a water environment of 22-24 degrees and 8.5 pH. After approximately 7 hours, the gastrula period begins, after 23 hours, the veliger period begins, and after 7-8 days, the pupal period begins. Water temperature is extremely effective during this development period. Observations have shown that at 25°C water temperature, development is completed to the juvenile stage in 5-6 days.
Many factors such as water temperature, pH, salinity, nutrient availability, settlement frequency, soil properties and tidal events have an effect on the development of the fry. It has been reported that shell development occurs between May and July, and meat development occurs between July and September. The length is around 4-5 cm in the first year and 7 cm in the second year.
Generally, natural offspring are used in breeding. Because from nature, if the area where the offspring will be collected is prepared well beforehand, there is the opportunity to collect plenty of offspring.
Chinese Razor Clam breeders clean the ground before the breeding season to prevent the loss of offspring. Juveniles are generally collected when they reach 1.5 cm in length. Juveniles are scattered by hand on the production site or placed on the ground in some areas. On average, around 1500 cubs are left per square meter. It is considered ideal for Razor Clam development to have 2-3 cm of mud on the ground, around 20 cm of soil below and some sand in the bottom layer.
After the age of two, height growth generally decreases. It is mostly harvested at the end of the second year. If the harvest is not made in the second year, there is an increase in the death rate. The average length of Razor Clam during the harvest period is around 6 cm. Harvesting is done with a small hooked wire at the tip. One person can collect 30-40 kilos of Razor Clam per day. Sulunez is marketed fresh, but some of it is dried and stored.
Various materials are also used in collecting Razor Clam. If the mud is collected by lifting it with a shovel and washing it on a sieve, this may cause losses. In some countries, special collection devices are also used. This material is in the form of a hollow tube 10 cm long. There is an air hole at the top that can be closed with a finger. This pipe is sunk into the Razor Clam nest by closing the hole at the top. By opening the upper part, the air inside comes out and the Razor Clam enters the pipe. The extraction process is completed by repeating this process several times. It is not possible to use this material on stony ground.
Natural Life Cycle of Razor Clam
The Razor Clam lives by burrowing into the sand with its foot. It filters and eats organic matter and microscopic creatures in the sea. The Razor Clam is blind but can sense movements and pressure changes in the sand. When it detects a threat, it hides in its burrow within seconds. Since they are shellfish, they can only survive in sand that is hard enough to dig.
Perches thrive in the summer months when the air temperature and food are plentiful. They also feed during the winter months, but they cannot grow much. Their maximum size is about 20 centimeters. They can grow a few centimeters every year until they reach this height. The average lifespan of Razor Clams is estimated to be 20 years. Spawning occurs during the summer months, when sperm are secreted by the male Razor Clam and collected in the female's gills. When the eggs are fertilized, they are released into the sea. When the fry hatch, they are free-swimming planktonic larvae. When they grow up, they settle on the sandy seabed and turn into shellfish.
