Population genetics and transcriptomics of Manila Clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) and carpet-shell clam (R. decussatus): implications for aquaculture

Knowledge of the genetics of populations is essential to understand performance differences among races and local stocks of shellfish species. We have studied the population genetics of the native Asian -but now globally cultured- Manila clam, and the native European carpet-shell clam, which are exploited in Europe by a combination of wild bed harvesting and supplementation with hatchery spat. Using mtDNA and nuclear markers we found that both species show clear phylogeographic breaks at the Mediterranean Sea (carpet-shell clam) and at the East China Sea (Manila clam).