CULTIVATION OF MUD CRAB (Scylla serrata) ENHANCED WITH RIBBED

VENUS CLAM (Gafrarium tumidum, Roding, 1798) BIOFILTRATION

An Undergraduate Thesis

Presented to the Faculty

Member of the

NORTH EASTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

LIANGA CAMPUS

Lianga, Surigao Del Sur

In partial Fullfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FISHERIES

Charles Stephen Canero

Christine Alvarez

MARCH 2024
 CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION

The cultivation of mud crab (Scylla serrata) is of significant economic

importance globally, particularly in coastal regions, due to its succulent meat

and high market demand. Efforts to optimize mud crab production have been

ongoing through various means. Research has focused on factors like

stocking density to enhance growth performance and production parameters.

Studies have shown that stocking density significantly impacts parameters

such as survival rate, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (Hastuti et al.,

2017). Optimal stocking densities play a crucial role in mud crab farming,

affecting environmental conditions and production outcomes (Shelley &

Lovatelli, 2011). Mud crab aquaculture requires expertise in crustacean

husbandry, water quality control, and pond management. The ideal water

temperature for mud crabs ranges from 20°C to 32°C, with salinity levels

between 15-25ppt promoting optimum growth. Providing shelter in ponds is

essential to reduce cannibalism during the moulting process, enhancing

survival and productivity. Feeding mud crabs with formulated pellet-style feeds

designed for marine prawn aquaculture has shown positive results in

aquaculture settings (Business Queensland, 2024). Studies have also

highlighted the correlation between stocking density and production levels,

emphasizing the importance of optimal stocking densities for maximizing mud

crab culture outcomes (Mia et al., 2005).

Bivalve biofiltration, facilitated by species like oysters, clams, and mussels,

plays a crucial role in improving water quality by filtering out particulate matter
and metabolizing excess nutrients. Ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa) are

known for their biofiltration potential, impacting nutrient dynamics in tidal

marshes and estuaries. Studies have shown that ribbed mussels can enhance

water clarity to a similar extent as oysters, with clearance rates of

approximately 5.1 L h-1 g-1 (Bilkovic & Mitchell, 2014). Bivalves, a diverse

group of species estimated at about 9,200, inhabit various marine

environments worldwide and are essential for ecosystem balance. They filter

water, provide habitat for other sea life, and contribute significantly to the

economy through commercial harvesting (NOAA, 2023). Research on

bivalves like oysters, mussels, scallops, and clams has not only focused on

their ecological roles but also on their potential as models for human health

studies. These bivalves have been instrumental in aquaculture research,

aiding in resource management and investigating biological and ecological

questions. The microbiomes of bivalves are dynamic and responsive to

environmental changes, influencing disease transmission dynamics and

microbial diversity within these organisms.

The symbiotic relationship between mud crabs and bivalves, such as

oysters and clams, offers multifaceted benefits in aquaculture settings. Mud

crabs, like Scylla serrata, are known to feed on bivalves, which can contribute

to their nutrition. For instance, mud crabs gain a significant percentage of their

nutrition from nearby reef flat areas or seagrass beds, which can vary

depending on the locality (Shelley & Lovatelli, 2011). Additionally, bivalves like

oysters and clams play a crucial role in improving water quality by filtering out

particulate matter and metabolizing excess nutrients, which is essential for

maintaining favorable water conditions for the health and growth of cultivated
species like mud crabs. The presence of bivalves in aquaculture systems can

also provide a foraging habitat for intertidal fish and crabs, which can be

beneficial for the overall ecosystem health (Veggerby et al., 2023).

This paper reviews the benefits of bivalve biofiltration because of the

synergistic potentials it offers in mud crab culture for water quality

management, nutrient recycling, and farm productivity enhancement. The

purpose of this paper is to reveal mechanisms underlying the possibility for

application and implications toward the development of principles of

sustainable aquaculture.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study on the cultivation of mud crab (Scylla

serrata) enhanced with bivalve biofiltration is to address:

1. Determine the influence of improved water quality facilitated by

bivalve biofiltration on the growth performance.

2. Determines the survival rate of the Ribbed Venus Clam during

cultivation of Mud Crab.

3. Determines the number of Ribbed Venus clams suitable for the

cultivation of Mud Crab and the amount of water quality parameters

such as turbidity, ammonia levels, and nitrate levels.

4. Evaluate the impact of bivalve biofiltration on water quality

parameters such as turbidity, ammonia levels, and nitrate levels

within mud crab cultivation systems.

 5. Differentiate the number of Ribbed Venus Clams from the 1 st to the

last day of cultivation of Mud Crab and the amount of water quality

parameters such as turbidity, ammonia levels, and nitrate levels.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The independent variable is the introduction of bivalves to act as

biofilters of organic wastes in mud crab aquaculture systems. The dependent

variables relate to turbidity, ammonia, and nitrate which reflect the bivalve

biofiltration effectiveness. Otherwise, other variables that could concurrently

influence independent variables (bivalve biofiltration) and dependent ones

(i.e., temperature, salinity, pH, and organic matter in the water, concerning the

pilot farm-testing nutrient cycling and mud crab growth, and health) would be

highlighted as shown in figure 1.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE/S: DEPENDENT

VARIABLE/S:
- Mud Crab (Scylla serata)
- Ribbed Venus Clam turbidity, ammonia
(Gafrarium tumidum) levels, nitrate levels,
o T1 – 10 Ribbed Mud Crab Growth,
venus clam Survivability and Health.
o T2 – 15 Ribbed
venus clam
o T3 – 20 Ribbed
venus clam

INTERVENING VARIABLE/S:
Physico-chemical parameter

Figure 1: the variables involved in this study.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research contributes to the amount of scientific information about

integrated aquaculture systems and the interactions of various species within

them. This study will clear on the mechanics and advantages of bivalve

biofiltration in mud crab farming and serves as a reference for future research

and development efforts in sustainable aquaculture. By using bivalve

biofiltration into mud crab aquaculture systems, the study hopes to enhance

water quality and minimize nutrient accumulation, increasing environmental

sustainability. Effective biofiltration can reduce the detrimental effects of

aquaculture on nearby ecosystems by reducing nutrient pollution and

improving ecosystem health.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study focuses on cultivating mud crabs with enhanced biofiltration

using Ribbed Venus Clams (Gafrarium tumidum). It limits its scope to the

growth of mud crabs and water parameters such as turbidity, ammonia,

nitrate, pH, salinity, and temperature within mud crab cultivation. The study

will be conducted in the month of August to September 2024. It will take 60

days to conduct.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Biofiltration Filtering watering using the Ribbed Venus

Clam (Gafrarium tumidum).

Cultivation Raising live Mud Crab (Scylla serratta).

 Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) a species uses to cultivate in this study.

Ribbed Venus Clam A species of bivalve mollusk utilized for

(Gafrarium tumidum) biofiltration in aquaculture systems.

CHAPTER II.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

TAXONOMY

The taxonomic classification of the mud crab (Scylla serrata) is as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Subphylum: Crustacea

Class: Malacostraca

Order: Decapoda

Family: Portunidae

Genus: Scylla

Species: Scylla serrata

 Figure 2. Mud Crab (Scylla serrata)

The taxonomic classification of the Ribbed Venus clam (Gafrarium

tumidum) is as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Bivalvia

Subclass: Decapoda

Family: Veneridae

Genus: Gafrarium

Species: Gafrarium tumidum

 Figure 3. Ribbed Venus Clam (Gafrarium tumidum).

BIOLOGY

Mud Crab (Scylla serata)

Mud crabs, scientifically known as Scylla serrata, exhibit distinctive

physical characteristics that aid their survival and adaptation to their

environment. Mud crabs are characterized by a broad and flattened carapace

adorned with prominent spines and ridges, serving both as protection and

aiding in camouflage. With ten legs in total, the front pair boasts large claws,

known as chelae, which are essential for both feeding and defense (Islam et

al., 2022). Their coloration, typically ranging from shades of brown to green or

gray, allows mud crabs to seamlessly blend into their muddy habitats,

providing them with an effective means of concealment and survival.

Mud crabs are euryhaline species, meaning they can tolerate a wide

range of salinity levels, and are commonly found in coastal waters. Rich in

protein, fat, and minerals, mud crabs are highly sought after as a popular food

source globally. Research efforts have been directed toward understanding

various aspects of their reproductive biology, including estimating sex ratios,

maturity sizes, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and identifying peak breeding

seasons (Paul et al., 2021). Observations indicate that mud crabs typically

exhibit peak breeding activity during the March-April and August-September

periods.

Scylla serrata primarily relies on contact chemoreception, utilizing the

dactyls of its walking legs to locate food sources. Its diet consists of various

prey groups, including burrowing bivalves, attached bivalves, small crabs, and

other organisms. Although the study observed consumption of small prey

items, Scylla serrata demonstrates the capability to feed on larger organisms

such as oysters (Hill, 1979). This feeding behavior underscores the

adaptability and opportunistic nature of mud crabs in foraging for sustenance

within their coastal habitats.

Studies have demonstrated that the diet of Scylla serrata encompasses

a variety of prey items, including crustaceans, bivalves, gastropods, and

detritus. Active feeding of S. serrata fluctuates throughout the year, with

certain months exhibiting higher levels of feeding activity and variations in

prey consumption. Importantly, the energy yield from different prey species

varies, with crabs identified as a significant energy source for Scylla serrata

(Paul et al., 2018). This understanding of dietary preferences and feeding

patterns contributes to our knowledge of mud crab ecology and aids in the

development of effective management and aquaculture practices.

Scylla serrata has a biphasic life cycle, with rapid growth observed in

the early stages. A conservative estimation suggests that Scylla serrata can

grow from the first larval stage to a size of 145 mm Carapace Width (500 g)
within a specific timeframe. The growth rate of Scylla serrata is influenced by

factors such as food availability, habitat, competition effects, and varying sizes

of maturity. Adult Scylla serrata prefer mangrove and saltmarsh environments

with soft sediments for habitat and undertake fine-scale movements for

feeding activities (Meynecke & Richards, 2014). The species exhibits

cannibalistic behavior and feeds on various prey items such as burrowing

bivalves, attached bivalves, small crabs, and other organisms (Hill, 1979).

Juvenile crabs are dominant from late spring to mid-summer (May to

August), with a male-to-female sex ratio of 3:1, where 75.2% are male

(Khaksari et al., 2023). Mud crabs begin life as larvae called 'zoea,' which

hatch from eggs, and then progress to the megalopa stage for further growth

(Bir, 2016). The peak breeding season for mud crabs is observed in March-

April, with a second peak breeding season detected. Ovarian development

stages of mud crabs are classified into five phases: immature,

underdeveloped, early maturing, late maturing, and mature based on color

and external characteristics (Paul et al., 2021). The reproduction of Scylla

serrata involves distinct population dynamics, seasonal breeding patterns,

and detailed studies on ovarian development stages and maturity sizes.

Understanding these aspects is crucial for conservation efforts and

sustainable management of mud crab populations.

RIBBED VENUS CLAMS (Gafrarium tumidum, Roding, 1798)

The ribbed venus clam, also known as Gafrarium, is a small, sturdy

clam with a ribbed pattern. It is often found on Southern shores, usually alone

on sandy areas in calm lagoons near seagrasses ("Ribbed Venus Clam,"

2020). In addition, according to marine life in 2020, the shell of the ribbed

Venus clam is solid, angular, and oval, with many strong ribs that can be

covered with many fine concentric rings, giving the shell a crosshatched look.

Ribbed Venus clams, scientifically known as Gafrarium tumidum,

exhibit specific food preferences and feeding behaviors that contribute to their

ecological role. Gafrarium tumidum is a sedentary bivalve species that

primarily engages in suspension feeding, filtering food particles from the water

column. The presence of Ribbed Venus clams in an area is influenced by

larval recruitment and juvenile survival, with adults being sedentary. Ribbed

Venus clams can be found in muddy sediment pockets on reef flats, clean

areas sheltered from waves, and tidal currents, with no specific preference for

muddy habitats. They are short-siphoned suspension feeders, obtaining

nutrients by filtering organic matter and plankton from the water column

(Leong et al., 2013). Ribbed Venus clams (Gafrarium tumidum) are

suspension feeders that thrive in various habitats, contributing to nutrient

cycling in marine ecosystems. Their feeding habits and morphological

variations play a crucial role in their adaptation and survival strategies.

The reproductive biology of the ribbed venus clam Gafrarium tumidum

(Roding) was studied in detail from the Southeast coast of India. The size at

first maturity for this species is estimated to be 22.3 mm. The clams have

separate but not differentiated external sexes, and the annual sex ratio male

to female (M:F) deviates significantly from the 1:1 ratio, with females

dominating. Based on ova diameter progression and histology, four and two

maturity stages of gonads were differentiated in female and male clams,

respectively. Peak spawning was observed during November and a minor one

in April. The monthly average condition index based on wet/dry weight ranged

from 7.24 to 14.38 (Jagadis & Rajagopal, 2007).

The growth of ribbed venus clams, Gafrarium tumidum, has been

studied in various research projects. One study focused on induced spawning,

larval development, and spat settlement of the venus clam Gafrarium

tumidum (Roding, 1798). The growth of the clams was observed in different

stages, including brood clams with sizes ranging from 27.5 to 32.8 mm

(Jagadis, 2013).

Another study on the age and growth of striped venus clams,

Chamelea gallina, provided insights into the growth patterns of bivalves. The

study found that the annual growth rate was faster in the first year of life (ca.

14–15 mm) and slower in the following years (Bargione et al., 2020).

Additionally, the growth curve parameters for the striped venus clam,

Chamelea gallina, were compared with those of the shell surface growth

rings.

RELATED STUDIES

Bivalves, such as oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops, feed by

filtering the water around them, stripping it of suspended particles. This

process helps to remove ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, sulfides, and

waste carbons from the water, which can be toxic to fish and other aquatic

organisms (Pleskun, 2022). In land-based mariculture systems, bivalves are

often used in combination with algae and seaweed to create a biofiltration

system that removes nutrients from fishpond effluents (Shpigel & Neori,

2007).

Bivalves, such as oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops, are effective

at removing dissolved and particulate nutrients from the water, including

ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, sulfides, and waste carbons. This

helps in maintaining water quality by reducing the levels of these potentially

harmful substances. Filter-feeding bivalves can help manage disease in

aquatic environments by reducing pathogen transmission. They filter out

pathogens from the water column through degradation and can prevent the

accumulation of infective agents that cause diseases in fish and corals. This

natural filtration process can help mitigate disease risks to both aquatic

organisms and humans (Burge et al., 2016).

Bivalves play a crucial role in fostering biodiversity by creating physical

structures like oyster reefs and mussel beds. These structures provide

habitats for various species, including invertebrates, fish, and marine

mammals. Additionally, bivalves produce nutrient-dense gametes, larvae, and

juveniles that serve as food sources for other organisms, further enhancing

biodiversity (Pleskun, 2022).

Furthermore, according to Pleskun, 2022, in aquaculture systems,

bivalves are utilized not only for direct consumption but also to support the

growth of other species like shrimp, finfish, crabs, sea cucumbers, corals, and

seaweed. By filtering water and reducing waste levels (ammonia, nitrites,

nitrates, etc.), bivalves contribute to maintaining a healthier environment for

aquaculture species.
 While bivalves like zebra mussels can be effective biofilters, they also

pose potential harm to ecosystems. In some cases, these bivalves can

become invasive species, disrupting native habitats and outcompeting local

species for resources (Choi & Kim, 2023).

Bivalves can concentrate microorganisms, including pathogens. This

concentration can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and viruses within the

bivalves, potentially serving as reservoirs for certain pathogen species. This

concentration of pathogens raises concerns about disease transmission and

the potential risks associated with it (Burge et al., 2016).

Combining bivalves with other species like crabs, shrimp, finfish,

corals, and seaweed in integrated polyculture systems allows for the creation

of more complex and diverse aquaculture systems. This approach saves

resources, diversifies products, enhances intensification, and is

environmentally friendly, offering a valid alternative to open-sea monoculture

practices (Pleskun, 2022).

Studies indicate that intertidal fish and crabs utilize bivalve farms as

foraging habitats. Bivalve farm habitats that contain eelgrass support high

levels of crab foraging activities, highlighting the interconnectedness of

different habitats in nutrient transfer and ecosystem function (Shpigel, 2006).

The ribbed venus clam, a type of bivalve, can filter approximately 4.5

gallons of seawater per day. This filtration process involves the clam creating

currents that move water in and out of its body, with tiny cilia on its gills

pumping water through the clam. Suspended particles in the water are

captured by the gills and moved to the mouth for ingestion, while the cleared
water is then ejected from the clam (University of Florida IFAS, 2013).

Additionally, a single littleneck-sized clam can remove about 0.09 grams of

nitrogen from the water, contributing to nutrient cycling and water quality

improvement.

Bivalves affect the water column through filtration and grazing, and

through modification of the nutrient cycle, with direct excretion and microbially

mediated remineralization of their organic deposits in sediments (McKindsey

et al., 2006). Large bivalve assemblages can modify phytoplankton

populations and blooms. They can regulate the abundance of phytoplankton

in shallow seas and reduce phytoplankton bloom intensity. Reduced turbidity

due to bivalve grazing can increase light, a limiting factor for the growth of

other species, such as algae (Cranford et al., 2006). Grazing reinforces

seasonal successional cycles in phytoplankton composition. Picoplankton is

favored by warmer waters and by changes in the relative abundance of

organic and inorganic nitrogen and it is also retained less efficiently on the

gills of bivalves, while nanoplankton is preferentially removed by grazing.

Therefore, during warmer seasons, with the help of bivalves, picoplankton

becomes relatively more abundant than larger species (Fabi et al., 2008).

Mud crab cultivation faces challenges such as inadequate seed supply,

cannibalism, disease outbreaks, and the absence of specific formulated feeds

(Kit et al., 2023). Disease, especially emerging pathogens like Mud crab

reovirus, significantly impacts mud crab aquaculture (Christopher et al., 2022).

To address wastewater concerns, a low-cost filtration system utilizing sponge,

sand, and zeolite has been developed for mud crab hatchery wastewater
treatment (Harun et al., 2022). In Bangladesh, mud crab aquaculture is

economically viable, with farmers fattening crabs using various feed sources

and achieving survival rates of 55-90% (Yuni et al., 2020). Bivalve biofiltration

can play a crucial role in maintaining water quality for successful aquaculture

by removing excess nutrients and improving water parameters, contributing to

the sustainability of mud crab farming.

Water Parameters

The suitable water parameters for the cultivation of Scylla serrata

include a temperature range of 18-30°C and a salinity level of 2-15 in the

cultivation ponds (Haihui, 2007). Additionally, maintaining water quality factors

such as pH, soil pH, and alkalinity is crucial for the growth of Scylla serrata (J.

Dutta, Munira, & Azadi, 2023). The water-specific weight should be between

1006-1015, and the seed cultivating density should range from 2000-

3000n/m2 (Haihui et al., 2007). It is also important to note that stocking crab

megalops directly in net cages in brackishwater ponds is feasible at stocking

densities of 10, 20, or 30 ind·m 2, with no significant differences in survival

rates or final body weights observed among the different densities tested

(Eduard et al., 2001).

 CHAPTER III.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EXPERIMENTAL SITE

The study will be conducted at North Eastern Mindanao State

University Brackishwater Fishpond Lianga Campus, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

This facility provides an ideal environment for researching mud crab

cultivation enhanced with bivalve biofiltration. Situated in a coastal area, the

fishpond offers access to brackish water conditions suitable for mud crab

farming and the integration of ribbed Venus clams as biofilters.

Figure 4. Experimental site of the study.

PREPARATION AND SETTING UNIT AND DESIGN

For this study, a total of 20-liter blue containers will be utilized as

experimental units. The study will investigate the effectiveness of three

treatments, which will be replicated three times. Each treatment will have 10,

15, and 20 ribbed venus clams, and with three replicates will 1 juvenile male

mud crab. To simulate the natural environment of mud crabs, each container

will be filled with 4 liters of water obtained directly from the brackishwater
fishpond without undergoing any filtration. Additionally, 4 liter of soil, primarily

sandy clay, will be added to each container to mimic the substrate typically

found in mud crab habitats. This experimental setup will allow researchers to

evaluate the interactions between mud crabs, bivalve biofiltration, and natural

environmental conditions within a controlled laboratory setting.

Figure 5. layout of the experiment.

PURCHASED AND TRANSPORT OF SEEDLING

For the study, the mud crab seedlings will be purchased from Wakat

Barabo in Surigao del Sur, while the ribbed Venus clams will be sourced from

their wild habitat.

FEEDS AND FEEDING

 In the study, mud crabs (Scylla serrata) will be fed trash fish twice daily,

while ribbed Venus clams (Gafrarium tumidum) will primarily rely on filter

feeding, obtaining their nutrition from the surrounding water. Trash fish will

serve as a cost-effective source of protein and nutrients for the mud crabs,

with feeding frequency adjusted to their size and growth requirements. Ribbed

Venus clams will actively filter organic particles and plankton from the water

column, contributing to natural biofiltration within the experimental units. This

feeding regimen will ensure the nutritional needs of both species are met

while promoting growth and maintaining water quality.

WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

In the study, water quality parameters are closely monitored to ensure

optimal conditions for mud crab cultivation enhanced with ribbed Venus clam

biofiltration. Parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, and turbidity are

regularly assessed to maintain a healthy aquatic environment. Temperature

and salinity levels are regulated to mimic natural habitat conditions for both

species. Turbidity is controlled to optimize water clarity and light penetration.

GROWTH MONITORING SAMPLING

In the growth monitoring protocol, mud crabs are measured every 15

days over 60 days to track their growth progression. Alongside growth

measurements, researchers also monitor the feeding behavior and overall

health of the mud crabs to ensure their well-being and assess the

effectiveness of integration with ribbed Venus clams biofiltration. Additionally,

monitoring the integration of mud crabs with ribbed Venus clams biofiltration

enables researchers to evaluate the symbiotic relationship between the two

species and assess the impact on water quality and overall system

performance. This holistic approach to growth monitoring ensures a thorough

assessment of mud crab performance and provides valuable insights into the

effectiveness of the experimental setup.

Growth and Survival

a. Mud Crab

Growth and survival of the experimental crabs will be

determined using the following formula:

a) Growth increment:

a. Weight increment = W2 – W1

b. Length increment = L2 – L1

b) Growth Rate (GR) or percent (%) gain in weight and

length:

¿ W 2−W 1
a. Weight GR = x 100
W1

¿ L2−L1
b. Length GR = x 100
L1

c) Survival rate (SR)

SR = (Final number of live crabs)/(Total

number of crabs) X 100

b. Ribbed Venus Clam

Survival rate (SR)

 SR = (Final number of live crabs)/(Total number of crabs) X 100

DATA COLLECTION

Data collection will involve regular monitoring of water quality

parameters using various meters. Measurements of mud crab and ribbed

Venus clam dimensions will be taken using rulers and weighing scales.

Observations on the health and behavior of the organisms will be

documented. Survival rates will be recorded periodically. All collected data will

be carefully organized for analysis.

DATA ANALYSIS

In this study, correlation analysis will be utilized to explore the

relationship between water quality parameters and growth parameters of mud

crabs and ribbed Venus clams. By examining correlations between factors

such as, pH, temperature, salinity, and growth metrics like carapace width,

shell length, and body weight, researchers aim to elucidate the influence of

environmental conditions on organismal growth. Strong positive correlations

between favorable water quality parameters and growth parameters may

suggest that maintaining optimal water quality is crucial for maximizing growth

performance in both mud crabs and ribbed Venus clams. These findings will

highlight the importance of effective water quality management in aquaculture

systems to support optimal growth and overall health of cultured organisms.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

In this study, researchers will use Pearson and Spearman's rank

correlations to assess the relationship between water quality parameters and

the growth of mud crabs and ribbed Venus clams. Pearson correlation will

evaluate linear relationships between normally distributed variables, while

Spearman correlation will assess monotonic relationships regardless of

distribution. By examining factors like pH and temperature against growth

metrics, researchers aim to understand how environmental conditions

influence growth.

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