Affiliation:
1. Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo 5023, Philippines
2. Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo 5023, Philippines
3. Department of Science and Technology, Science Education Institute, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631, Philippines
Abstract
Otoliths are paired calcified structures in the inner ear of teleosts that function in hearing and balance. In this study, the use of otolith morphometrics and shape analysis were explored to delineate the redfin species under the genus Decapterus from the Sulu Sea, Philippines, namely, Decapterus kurroides, D. smithvanizi, and D. tabl. Results showed that the mean otolith shapes are unique within species (p < 0.001). The otolith size-related (OW—otolith weight, OL—otolith length, OH—otolith height, OA—otolith area, and OP—otolith perimeter) and shape-related (RE—rectangularity, SQ—squareness, EL—ellipticity, RO—roundness, AR—aspect ratio, FF—form factor, CO—compactness, and CI—circularity) morphometric indices also showed significant variations (p < 0.001) among the three species. Distinct regions differentiating D. kurroides from the other two species were seen along the dorsal margin of the otoliths, which was supported by its significantly higher values for OH (size-related index) and RO (shape-related index). In addition, the morphometric indices showed significant variations (p < 0.001), except for RE. Furthermore, it was revealed that the size-related indices were able to separate D. kurroides from the other two species, which turned out to be indifferent. The results provided relevant data on the use of otoliths as an additional confirmatory tool in species delineation of the identified redfin species, and, therefore, offer opportunities of applying the same method in delineation and, eventually, identification of species from other genera, especially those that closely resemble each other.
Funder
Emerging Interdisciplinary Research (EIDR) Program of the University of the Philippines Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs
the University of the Philippines Visayas Office of the Vice Chancellor for research and Extension
Subject
Ecology,Aquatic Science,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
6 articles.
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