A comparison on the commercial quality of some seafood on the basis of their percent edibility

The present study aimed to investigate the meat content and edibility in the commercial cockles (Cerastoderma glaucum) and gastropods (Thais carinifera) in relation to their sizes and weights. These species are among the most exploitable seafood around the world and locally. They represent a considerable economic importance, both in terms of aquaculture and harvested aquatic resource. The present results showed a significant variation in the edibility with seasons. This variation did not correlate to the spawning activities. A positive correlation in the percentage edibility with shell dimensions was recorded in the case of C. glaucum. On the other hand, a negative correlation with shell dimensions was obvious in T. carinifera. Additionally, both species exhibited negative correlations with weights. So, it can be proved that the quality of meat was in the optimum in the largest cockle and in the moderate size of the gastropod and the meat content being dependent upon the shell dimension rather than the shell weight. Consumers can obtain this sea food with good qualities most of the year except in summer (for C. glaucum) and winter (for T. carinifera). Finally, the present study put a preliminary imagination to consumers for getting their needs from seafood with good meat content at least cost.