Bottom fauna study--distribution and relative abundance of Rangia cuneata.

Ninety-three species of mollusks were collected and identified in the first phase of an ecological study of Galveston estuary. A portion of the data relating to one of these species (R.cuneata) is presented as an example of the information gathered. The clam was found to be abundant only in the lowest salinity areas. They occurred in every major sediment type in the estuary but were most abundant in sand. Reliable quantitative data were considered difficult to obtain with the dredge used. Another dredge is currently being tested.