I8 MADRAS FISHERIES BULLETIN VOL. XI, 



Meretrix casta van ovum (Hanley). The valves of this sub- 

 species or variety are described as usually ovate to oblong, sub- 

 eciuilateral, covered with a thin greyish-yellow periostracum and 

 either with or without two narrow brown bands radiating from the 

 hinge region ; the umbones centrally disposed and often corroded ; 

 the posterior margin stained greenish grey ; length seldom exceed- 

 ing 40 mm. 



Such a description serves well for the species found in great 

 abundance in west coast backwaters, although when overfished 

 as in the Beypore River, the average size becomes considerably 

 reduced, as few individuals have an opportunity to reach maturity^ 

 The two dark rays thought faint and easily overlooked, are very 

 characteristic of this variety ; only occasionally in the adult can 

 these rays be traced back to the umbo ; they are usually best marked 

 towards the ventral margin where they often terminate in two small 

 reddish brown colour patches on the extreme edge. The periostra- 

 cum is well developed and persistent ; it varies from a distinct pale 

 cream to a rufous yellow or even brown, the darker tints being 

 largely of stain origin. The posterior margin usually appears of a 

 greenish tinge in shells from Beypore River until the periostracum 

 be removed, when it is revealed as actually greyish blue in tint. 



This clam is probably the most important food mollusc of the 

 Presidency. Its flesh is of good flavour, tender and nutritious. To 

 the poorer classes of shore dwellers, wherever it is obtainable in 

 quantity, it often takes the place of fish in their curries when this is 

 dear or scarce and is esteemed both for its cheapness and tastiness. 

 On the Malabar coast these clams are largely collected by low 

 caste people who hawk canoe-loads along the backwaters and 

 canals. The usual retail rate varies from one to two pies per seer, 

 indeed a pie's worth is considered in Malabar sufficient to make a 

 curry for a whole household. The Malabar clam fishers usually use 

 very small dugout canoes, which are anchored when the fishing 

 ground is reached. Men, women, and lads all engage in the fishing ; 

 the feet are used to locate and dislodge the clams when these occur 

 in shallow water. In deep channels diving has to be resorted to. 



Amongst the common sights in Malabar are heaps of discarded 

 cniuthii shells forming miniature kitchen middens in the neigh- 

 bourhood of many huts ; these are sold eventually to lime-burners, 

 as the shell of this clam, being exceptionally massive, is valued 



