Morphological parameters effective in sexual dimorphism of livebearers using truss network system: case study on Gambusia holbrooki

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the morphological parameters effective insexual dimorphism in Gambusia holbrooki, as a model but invasive livebearer species in Iranian inland waters, using landmark morphometric truss network system. The linear discriminant analysis showed an average percentage of specimens classified of 100% for morphometric characters indicating a high rate of correct classification of individuals into their original populations. The significant differences between two sexes were observed in the head length, head width, body depth, pre-dorsal length, pre-ventral length, pre-anal length, fork length, dorsal fin length, anal fin length, caudal-peduncle depth and caudal-peduncle length.

Keywords

• discriminate function analysis
• namak lake basin
• habitat protection
• landmark
• exotic fishes