Seasonal variations in biochemical composition of green mussel Perna Viridis (Linnaeus)

Abstract

Variations in biochemical composition of the body tissues like digestive gland, foot, gonad and posterior-adductor muscle of Perna viridis showed decrease in water content during summer (April-June) and increase during NE monsoon (October-December) in all the body parts. Changes in the biochemical Composition of gonad in both the sexes were closely associated with the reproductive cycle. Protein level increased from January till a peak level attained during June and thereafter decreased to minimum indicating the maturation and spawning activity of the gonads. Except in foot, the carbohydrate levels were higher in all other body parts. The carbohydrate level decreased in the gonad during monsoon and increased during the nonreproductive period. Lower level of lipid in the gonad in April and June indicated an intermittent spawning which increased gradually in July with intensive feeding resulting in storage of fat before spawning