Informasi biologi dan pemanfaatan kerang kerek (Gafrarium tumidum)

The clam Gafrarium tumidum known “kerang kerek” in Indonesia belonging to the family Veneridae is one of edible clams and have both economical and ecological importances. Shell thick and solid, short and high shape, ovate-subquadrate to subtrigonal in outline, outer coloration of shell variable and its length about 3-5 cm. Its distribution is in Indo-West Pacific, India, Sri Lanka, Jepang, Filipina, Indonesia, Mauritius and Seychelles to Melanesia, Australia and New Caledonia. Sexes are separate but not differentiated externally. Annual sex ratio male:female deviated significantly from the 1:1 ratio with female dominating. Economically, it used by people in coastal area as one of alternative food sources, due to its high nutritive value based on biochemical constituents like protein, carbohydrateand fat. Ecologically, it can be used as a bioindicator species of metal contamination. Fauna Indonesia. Vol 12 (1): 5-11.