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Two Forms, One Species: An Analysis of Morphological Differentiation in Anodontostoma chacunda (Clupeiformes; Clupeidae) from the Coastal Waters of Hormozgan, Persian Gulf
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Zahra Sarlaki Hendookosh   , Leila Abdoli , Kiavash Golzarianpour * |
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Abstract: (49 Views) |
The study of population structure in aquatic species using a geometric morphometric approach has gained increasing importance for understanding phenotypic patterns and providing sustainable management strategies. In this study, the population structure of Chacunda gizzard shad (Anodontostoma chacunda) was examined across four coastal stations in Hormozgan Province (Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Bandar Khamir, and Jask) using geometric morphometric methods. A total of 240 specimens were collected during June and July 2024, and 10 anatomical landmarks were marked on the left lateral side of each fish using TpsDig2 software. Data analysis employing Procrustes analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and discriminant function analysis (DFA) revealed significant differences between temporal and spatial sampling stations. The results indicated a marked morphological separation between populations across the two sampling months, with phenotypic variation patterns in June primarily focused on caudal landmarks and in July on head and dorsal fin landmarks. These findings suggest that A. chacunda's body structure is highly sensitive to environmental and seasonal changes and may reflect phenotypic adaptations related to the species’ migratory and feeding behaviors or pressures from human activities. Considering the ecological and economic significance of this species in southern Iran's ecosystems, the results of this study provide valuable baseline information for stock management and the designation of conservation units.
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| Keywords: Geometric morphometrics, Procrustes analysis, Chacunda gizzard shad, phenotypic plasticity, fisheries resource management |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/05/28 | Accepted: 2025/06/6 | Published: 2025/09/26
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