A comparative study of healthy and lost larvae of Beluga (Huso huso) body shape using geometric morphometric method

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj, Iran

2 Assistant Prof. Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj, Iran

3 Associate prof. Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

High mortality of Beluga larvae (Huso huso) is occurred with beginning of their exogenous feeding in hatcheries and this appears to be linked to various types of body shape deformities. This study was conducted to compare the body shape of healthy and lost beluga larvae (15DPH) and to find the patterns of body shape deformities among lost larvae using geometric morphometric method. This method was applied to extract shape data as landmark’s coordinates. Specimens were photographed using digital camera and the landmarks put on two-dimensional images using TpsDig2. Landmark data after GPA (Generalized Procrustes Analysi) analyzed using PCA and DFA and the patterns of body shape deformities were illustrated in deformation grids. Results displayed significant differences between healthy and lost larvae body shape (P<0.0001). In addition, various pattern of deformities found in the head area (snout and operculum) and anterior portion of tail. These deformities probably effect on swimming function and food obtaining of larvae.

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