Comparing the Survival Rate of Mangrove Clam, Polymesoda (Geloina) spp. (Solander 1876) Through Field Experiments in Mangrove Forests of Iriomote Island

Mangrove clams, Polymesoda spp., exhibit optimal survival rates (90%) in the mesozone of mangrove forests, where salinity changes gradually and remains moderate. A 10-month field experiment across four zones on Iriomote Island revealed that survival plummeted to 40% in seaward zones due to rapid or prolonged high-salinity conditions, with no survival in freshwater landward plots. Salinity fluctuations emerged as a critical factor influencing clam viability, highlighting the mesozone's suitability for these bivalves by balancing environmental stability.

Washitani, Y., Hayakawa, R., Li, M., & Shibata, S. (2017). Comparing the Survival Rate of Mangrove Clam, Polymesoda (Geloina) spp. (Solander 1876) Through Field Experiments in Mangrove Forests of Iriomote Island. Zoological Science, 34(3), 223–228. https://doi.org/10.2108/zs160021