Geometric morphometric analysis of body shape of different populations of Salmo trutta in Namak, Urmia and Caspian Sea Basins

This study aimed to compare the body shape characteristics of five populations ofsalmo trutta from the Namak Lake,Urmia Lake and Caspian Sea Basins, usinggeometric morphometric technique. For this purpose a total numbers of 130specimens were sampled from Lighvan, Mardagh, Karaj, Jajrood and Haraz Riversby electrofishing. Then left side of the specimens were photographed and 16landmark–points were defined and digitized on 2D pictures. The landmark date weresuperimposed using a generalized procrusts method and analyzed using PCA, CVAand cluster analysis. The results revealed a significant differences between studiedpopulationss in terms of body shape (P<0.0001), except between Haraz and Lighvanpopulations. The observed differences between populations were related to lengthand depth of caudal peduncle, position of snout head, body depth and position ofpectoral fin base. The Jajrood River population was differentiated from others due topossessing greater body depth, lower head depth and anterior position of pectoral finbase.

Keywords:

Geometric morphometric , Body shape , salmo trutta