Author:
Niño Jess Mar F. Mecha
College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University, Puerto Princesa Campus, Palawan, Philippines
*Correspondence: njmf19mecha@gmail.com
How to cite:
Mecha NJMF. 2024. First record of Noah’s clam Tridacna noae (Röding, 1798) in the reef of Culion: An addition to the distribution range in Palawan, Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 16(1): xx-xx.
ABSTRACT
This study provides additional information regarding the distribution range and habitat characteristics of two specimens Tridacna noae (Röding, 1798), a previously misidentified giant clam species, encountered in Barangay Malaking Patag, Culion, Palawan, Philippines. The giant clams were identified as T. noae due to the presence of ocellate spots or teardrops and sparse hyaline organs on the mantle. The specimens measured 7.8 and 7.9 cm in shell length and were found partially buried in dead coral substrates at a depth of 2 meters. The current findings provide additional information on the distribution range of T. noae in the province of Palawan and the Philippines. Identification of the distribution of certain threatened species, such as the giant clams, is crucial step in protecting and conserving their population in the wild.
Keywords: Calamianes Islands, distribution, teardrops giant clams, northern Palawan
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