Shell Dimension-Live Weight Relationships, Growth and Survival of Hippopus Porcellanus in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Giant clam populations of Hippopus porcellanus in the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) have shown remarkable recovery after over two decades of protection, with nearly 90% survival rate among marked individuals. Researchers determined that all three shell dimensions—length, width, and height—are reliable predictors of live weight, providing a non-invasive method for monitoring populations. Using the von Bertalanffy growth model, the study estimated growth parameters (K = 0.29, L∞ = 29.24 cm) based on mark-recapture data from 80 clams over 2.5 years. This finding highlights the resilience of H. porcellanus under strict conservation measures and underscores the importance of long-term protection for recovering exploited marine species.

Dolorosa, R. G., Conales, S. F., & Bundal, N. A. (2014). Shell Dimension-Live Weight Relationships, Growth and Survival of Hippopus Porcellanus in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines. Atoll Research Bulletin, 604, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5479/si.00775630.604