Distribution, Population Structure and Growth of Protothaca euglypta(Sowerby, 1914)(Bivalvia: Veneridae) from the Northwestern Part of the East Sea of Russia

Distribution, population structure, and growth of the bivalve Protothaca euglypta were investigated for clams collected from the northwestern part of the East Sea of Russia. This species is distributed in further northern area than it was found earlier. In the southern area, this clam is found in the intertidal zone, up to 8 m in depth. It is one of the most numerous infaunal species of bivalves, and protected to wave action in the gravel-pebble and sand with rubble biotope. Population density of P. euglypta reaches 500 $spc./m^2$, and biomass 2 $kg/m^2$. Size and age composition of the local settlements and allometric growth of P. euglypta depend on a biotope. The growth rate of P. euglypta considerably reduces in case of the northern boundary area, whereas life span increases.