The following information was in an exhibit at the Central Flordia show
being held this week end. The exhibitor is  Shanin Leeming, a high school
student who lives in Merritt Island, FL.

Can herbal Viagra be used to induce spontaneous spawning in farm grown
clams(Mercenaria mercenaria)?

        The purpose of this project is to discover  whether or not herbal Viagra
can be used to induce spontaneous spawning in farm-raised
clams(mariculture). Additionally, state controlled projects promoting
resource enhancement of the species might benefit from this research if
it proves to be viable and cost-effective.
        The clams used in this experiment were divided evenly between two
spawning tables at Southern cross Sea Farms, Merritt Island, Fl. They
were both given the same amount of food, subjected to the same
temperature deviations, and all other variables were controlled. The
experiment was performed the first time with positive results. The
spawning tables were reversed, and the same experiment was repeated one
week later to verify previous results.
        In both cases, the experimental group was inoculated with 6 ml(35 cents
per ml) of herbal Viagra (Yohimbe). The effects were clearly visible in
the experimental group. It was noted that the subjects were much more
relaxed. This observation can be made by inspecting the position of the
siphons extended by the subjects. The siphons in the experimental group
were exposed to a much greater extent than those of the control group.
Relaxation in clams is a behavorial indicator that spawning is eminent.
In both tests, the experimental group spawned well before the control
group spawned(although not spontaneously).  In the first experimental
group 56 males and 9 females spawned. In the second experimental group 42
males and 16 females spawned.  Subsequently, the spawns were monitored to
ensure that herbal Viagra did not have a negative impact on the viability
of the resulting larvae. None were observed.
        After completion of these tests, the following conclusions were formed:
herbal Viagra enhances the spawning ability of hard shell clams. It
causes clams to spawn more quickly and with less need for temperature
cycling. It is cost effective. I
t does not induce spontaneous spawning, but it could prove to be a
valuable benefit to the mariculture industry and to resource enhancement
of the wild harvest clam.