Arca subcrenata in Lanshan

Arca subcrenata in Lanshan

　　Arca subcrenata, commonly known as large hairy clam, blood clam, or xuebei, is a large and economically valuable shellfish species. In recent years, the aquaculture of Arca subcrenata in Lanshan has developed rapidly, becoming one of the district’s key aquatic export products.

　　The shell of Arca subcrenata is obliquely ovate, highly inflated, with slightly unequal left and right valves. The umbo is swollen and prominent, and the radiating ribs are broad, smooth, and without obvious nodules. It typically inhabits soft mud or muddy-sandy seabeds at depths of 3–50 meters, attaching itself to seabed debris using tough byssal threads. This species is widely distributed along China’s coast, with abundant resources found in the waters of Lanshan.

　　The meat of Arca subcrenata is rich in protein and vitamin B12, tender and delicious, with bright red blood. Since ancient times, it has been regarded as a nourishing delicacy and a popular dish to accompany alcohol. Ancient texts record that Arca subcrenata has benefits such as “stimulating appetite, enriching blood color, dissolving blood clots, and resolving phlegm.” Its shell contains few impurities and, aside from being used for lime production, also serves as a raw material in the ceramic industry.

　　Since the initiation of Arca subcrenata aquaculture in Lanshan District in 1990, effective farming methods such as raft culture, subsea cage culture, and bottom sowing have been developed. Particularly in 1992, the Rizhao Aquatic Comprehensive Seedling Farm achieved successful commercial seed production of Arca subcrenata, leading the nation in aspects such as breeding water volume and seed yield per unit, thereby providing a reliable source of seedlings for large-scale cultivation.