The oxygen consumption and ammonia-N excretion rates of Chlamys farreri were studied from April to June, 1999. The results showed that the oxygen consumption and ammonia-N excretion rates of Chlamys farreri were positively correlated with water temperature, and negatively correlated with its body weight under appropriate temperature conditions. Under the test temperature (8-28 degrees C), the oxygen consumption rate ranged from 0.48 to 9.09 mg.g-1.h-1, and the ammonia-N excretion rate ranged from 0.05 to 1.01 mg.g-1.h-1. With the raising water temperature, the oxygen consumption rate reached peak value at 23 degrees C, and began to decrease at 28 degrees C. The ammonia-N excretion rate continuously increased from 8 to 28 degrees C. The routine metabolism of Chlamys farreri under treatment was obvious higher than the standard metabolism, and the oxygen consumption and ammonia-N excretion rates increased by 35.8% and 75.9%, respectively.