Evaluation of some meristic and morphometric traits in Javelin Grunter (Pomadasys kaakan) of Persian Gulf (Hormozgan).

Identification and morphoanatomic evaluations of Persian Gulf species are the primary steps of the possibility assessments of culture, propagation and mass production of this species and preventing the importation and culture of invasive and non native species in inland waters. Three genus (G) of Haemulidae family exist in Persian Gulf (One species in (G)Diagrama sp. And (G)Plectorhynchus sp < em>. and five species in (G)Pomadasys sp.). No integrated study on Persian Gulf Grunter morphology was observed by authors then 11 male Javelin Grunter have been caught and in order to make a better penetration of fixative (formalin solution 10%) an incision was made on the abdomen (anterior side of the anus) then fish were transported into aquatic lab of Kerman university for anatomic and biometric investigations. The morphometric traits (total, standard and forkal length, head length, body depth, orbit and iris diameter and optic distance) and numerable meristic parameters (lateral line scales, number of fin rays and pharyngeal teeth) and digestive organs length were assayed. The relative length of oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus stomach and intestine were respectively 14.1, 5.9, 5.4, 15.9 and 56.9%. The pharyngeal teeth formula was 4.5.4.5.5—5.5.5.4.4 on the ceiling and 2.5.9.10.9—8.8.7.7.4 at the bottom of pharynx. The findings confirm the dependency of this fish to Haemulidae and are in accordance with the carni/omnivorous feeding habit.