Reexaming the Aquaculture Potential of the Angelwing Clam
The potential for commercial aquaculture development of the angelwing clam Cyrtopleura costata, a burrowing bivalve found along the US Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, was reexamined. Studies conducted in the 1980s demonstrated angelwings could be spawned using hatchery methods similar to those for commercial bivalve species. Preliminary results also indicated angelwings grow rapidly and could reach a potential harvest size in six months. However, the lack of economical production methods and harvesting techniques stymied further consideration of angelwings as an aquaculture candidate species. Despite its excellent flavor and attractive shell, another drawback was its short shelf life as most