Meat biochemical composition of Polymesoda radiata (Bivalvia : Corbiculidae) in Costa Rica

Monthly changes in biochemical composition and condition index of the green dam, Polymesoda radiata were studied from August 1992 through July 1993 in Bebedero river, Guanacaste, Costs pica. This species has a continuous spaw ning throughout the year with maximun periods in December and April (follow ing values are % means and standard deviations). Fresh meat was 12.53 +/-13 .78. Dry flesh compositions: 78.29 +/- 2. 15 proteins; 9.52 +/- 1.00 lipids ; 5.78 +/- 2.50 carbohydrates; and 6.43 +/- 2.10 ashes. Water 90.10 +/- 2.1 4 (correlated with the spawning period). The condition index was 9.89 +/- 2 .14. Dry flesh caloric value: 4.51 +/- 0.11 Kcal/g. The condition index, ca loric value and carbohydrates decreased during the spawning period. Lipids, proteins and ashes had not relationship with the spawning period. The mean condition index was inverse correlation with the spawning period.