This study attempts to propose the possibility of the sex reversal in Tegillarca granosa and Ruditapes philippinarum by confirming the changes in the sex ratio with the shell length (SL) in the same population level. For analysis of sex ratio with SL, 1500 individuals of T. granosa (SL 10.1-45.0 mm) and 712 individuals of R. philippinarum (SL 15.1-70.0 mm) were used. Sex was analyzed histologically. The average sex ratios (F:M) of T. granosa and R. philippinarum were 1:1.22 and 1:0.96, respectively. However, sex ratio was found to differ when the clams were divided into groups according to SL in 5.0 mm intervals. Both species displayed the tendency of increase in the proportion of female with increase in SL. In this study, changes in the sex ratio in accordance with the growth of T. granosa and R. philippinarum are determined to be indirect evidence that signifies their sex reversal.

This study attempted to verify the possibility of using germ cell aspiration (GCA) method as a non-fatal technique in studying the life-history of equilateral venus, Gomphina veneriformis (Veneridae) and granular ark, Tegillarca granosa (Arcidae). Using twenty-six gauge 1/2" (12.7mm) needle, GCA was carried out in equilateral venus through external ligament. In granular ark, GCA was performed by preventing closure of the shells by inserting a tongue depressor between the shells while still open. The success rate of sex identification using the GCA method was 95.6% for the equilateral venus (n=650/680) and 94.3% for the granular ark (n=707/750). Mortality of equilateral venus, which spent 33 days under wild conditions, was 13.8% (n=90/650) while the mortality of granular ark, which spent 390 days under wild conditions, was 2.4% (n=17/707). Although we believe that GCA does not appear to cause death in equilateral venus or granular ark, the success rate in employing of this methodology may differ depending on the level of proficiency of the researcher and reproductive stage of the bivalve. This study concludes that GCA is a convenient non-fatal methodology, which can be employed to identify sex and investigate gonadal maturity in Gomphina veneriformis and Tegillarca granosa.