Population growth of the Venerid bivalve Circenita callipyga in the Hendijan Coast, Persian Gulf.

Length-frequency and growth of dominant species, Circenita callipyga (Bivalve, Veneridae) in the Hendijan coast, Khuzestan province (Persian Gulf) were studied from summer 2005 to spring 2006. Sampling was done seasonally with vanveen grab from 5 stations. Stations were located 0.5 mile apart and samples were collected from approximately 8 m depth. The population structure presented a size range between 0.5 and 9.5 mm length, being mainly formed by individuals from 3 to 4 mm, that were dominant in autumn. Recruitment rate was low and the major contribution of recruits was found in winter to spring. Growth parameters of the Von Bertalanffy growth function were estimated to be Linfinity = 25.06 mm, k = 0.180 year(-1), t0 = 0.11 year.