Phenotypic adaptation patterns in Abu Mullet, Planiliza abu using traditional and geometric morphometric methods in rivers of the Persian Gulf basin

This study was conducted to investigate the morphological variation of Planiliza abu in the Tireh (Tigris Basin), Kor (Kor River Basin) and Jegin (Hormozgan Basin) rivers using traditional (TM) and geometric morphometric (GM) methods. For this purpose, a total of 62 specimens were collected using electrofishing device and Salik net. In the Lab, 21 morphometric traits were measured. Then, to extract the morphological data in the geometric method, 16 landmark-points were defined and digitized on the photographs taken from the left side of fish using tpsDig2 software. The results showed that the studied populations had significant differences in 7 morphometric traits (P<0.05). The differences in the geometric method were those of the head size, body depth, pectoral fin position and caudal peduncle length. Based on the results, GM method showed higher accuracy to reveal the morphological variations in the generalist species of Planiliza abu, which can inhabit a wide range of habitats.