Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Metric and meristic characteristics of scales of euryhaline fish, Etroplus suratensis.

Volume 41 Issue 1&2

Johnson Pius and V.R. Prakasham

Abstract

The morphology scales of euryhaline fish, Etroplus suratensis (Perciformes; Cichlidae) was studied to evaluate the relationship between scale characteristics like length, width, number of circuli, primary and secondary radii, cteni, and size of fish. Statistical analysis of the data indicated a positive correlation between fish size and scale characteristics. A differential growth was also noticed in the scales from different body positions. Of the various scales examined from body regions like
Laad, operculum, dorsolateral, midlateral, ventmlateral and caudal peduncle, the midlateral scales appeared be the first formed ones showing many typical scale characteristics. A comparison of the scales of fish occupying fresh and brackishwater habitats demonstrated that salinity might bring about changes scale characteristics.

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Date : 30-12-1999