The effect of spirulina (arthrospira platensis) towards the growth performance of Asian Clam (corbicula fluminea)

Asian clam or Corbicula fluminea is native clam species also known as ‗etak‘ in Malaysia. It has been used as a food source by the local people there. It is such an exotic snack consumed as ―smoked clam‖ or locally known as ‗etak salai‘. Nowadays, the population of this species in Kelantan has decline due to over-harvest activities. However, there is lack study of Asian clam and scientific information about their habitat and ecosystem in this country that are useful in order to preserve and conserve this native species from declining and extinction. This study is conducted to observe the feasibility of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) as Asian clam feed for closed-culture system. Three replicates of culture tray in closed-culture systems were set up. Each replicate containing 40 samples marked and fed with dried spirulina. The weight (g), shell length (SL) and mortality of each sample are taken weekly for five weeks. Growth Performance Rate (GPR) and Survival Rate (SR) analyzed by using SPSS. Result from this study showed the average percentages (%) mean growth in shell length (SL) increment (SL) (mm) (±s.d.) for all replicates is 0.35 ± 2.03. The average percentage (%) mean of weight increment for all replicates is 0.3 ± 2.09. While the mortality rate is 15% and the survival rate is 85%. The findings of this research evaluated that the feasibility of spirulina as a feed to Asian clam is not effective.