Morphological characters of Scales in ten Mullet species from Iran

Mullets are among commercial species with good marketing condition which inhabit southern and northern coastal waters of Iran. Understanding of the diversity of mullets is a vital for their conservation. In this study, morphological characters of scale in ten mullet species from Iran are investigated. Specimens were collected from southern and two northern provinces of Iran during two years. Identification verified by reliable available identification keys. Minimum 5 scales were collected from left side of each specimen then photographed by stereomicroscope after rinsing. Results revealed that scales in different ten mullet species are distinguishable base on morphometric and meristic characters including General shape, number of Radii on scale, position of focus, Ctenii and Interradial tongue-like projection shape, scale area, scale length, scale width and distance between focus and up or low margin of scale. Among diagnostic characters, Two species of the Caspian Sea; Chelon aurata and Chelon saliens revealed significant smaller scale area and length (p≤0.05) while significant bigger scale length (p≤0.05) appeared in Ellochelon vaigiensis, Planiliza macrolepis and Planiliza subviridis .