Analysis of Influence of Morphological Traits on Weight Traits among Different Geographical Populations of Ark Shell Scapharca subcrenata
WANG Chenghao1, HUANG Gengyin1, LI Li2, FANG Xiao3, ZHANG Chao3, GUO Yongjun1, CHEN Limei1
1. Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology and Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300392, China; 2. Shandong Academy of Marine Sciences, Qingdao 266104, China; 3. Hebei Academy of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Qinhuangdao 050051, China
Abstract：In order to investigate the influence of morphological traits on weight-related traits in ark shell Scapharca subcrenata in distinct geographical populations, the relationships between 12 morphological traits (including shell length, shell height, and shell width) and both live body weight and soft part weight were determined and analyzed in the samples collected from Qingdao, Shandong province, Tangshan, Hebei province and Taizhou, Zhejiang province by correlation analysis, path analysis, and coefficient of determination analysis. The results showed that shell width was the most critical morphological indicator influencing live weight, with direct path coefficients of 0.587 for Qingdao population, 0.366 for Tangshan population, and 0.464 for Taizhou population. Significant differences were observed in both morphological and weight traits among the three geographical populations (P<0.05). There was significantly higher shell width-to-shell length ratio in the northern populations (Tangshan and Qingdao) compared to the southern Taizhou population (0.68 and 0.70 vs. 0.64), indicating a close relationship between shell morphology and ecological adaptability. Northern populations had a more convex shell shape, whereas southern populations displayed a flatter appearance. The r2values of the multiple regression equations between live weight and morphological traits were found to be varied from 0.718 to 0.888, with the maximal value in the Qingdao population. Shell width and shell length were identified as the primary influencing factors. In contrast, the r2 values for soft part weight were ranged from 0.492 to 0.702, relatively lower and may be associated with unmeasured factors such as gonadal development. The findings provide valuable insights for the assessment of ark shell germplasm resources and the development of breeding strategies.
2026, Vol. 45 
