Phenotypic variation of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) across the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea

Abstract

The present study was performed with the aim of investigation in phenotypic variations of Cyprinus carpio as an economically worth species in south basin of the Caspian Sea. In winter of 2015, totally 74 specimens were collected from Anzali, Miankaleh and Gomishan and the morphometric information were extracted. The obtained results of ANOVA were indicated a high rate of phenotypic variations (23 out of 25). PCA detected HH1 (head height character) as the most important feature in making variations among populations. Cluster Analysis classified all samples in three major clades. So it can be concluded that there is at least three separate stocks of common carp in the southern basin of the Caspian Sea which it is high recommended that should be considered in stocks management in order to prevent subsequent problems including inbreeding and reduction in genetic fitness.

Keywords

• Caspian Sea; head height; PCA; phenotypic variations