Morphometric and Meristic Characters of Selangat Fish (Anodontostoma sp.) from Kelabat Bay and Tukak Strait, Bangka Belitung

Abstract

Morphometric and meristic characters are authentic methods for the specimen identification. The study on morphometric and meristic characters in fishes is important for the differentiation of taxonomic units and are able to spot differences between fish population. This study aims to analyze and determine the differences in morphometric and meristic character of the Selangat Fish (Anodontostoma sp.) between Kelabat Bay and Tukak Strait. Samples of fish were identified and analyzed with reference to Saanin (1995) and Rahardjo (1985) identification method. The analyze of data using Multivariate Analysis with Statistics SPSS 17.0, to test whether there are real character differences between population groups determined. This research also determine the similarities of morphometrics character. The results of the 23 morphometric multivariance analysis of Selangat fish showed similarities as 52.17%. There are no significant difference of meristic characteristics of Selangat fish between Kelabat Bay and Tukak Strait, except part of pectoral rays from Tukak Strait (P IV 8 – 9) compared pectoral rays of Selangat Fish from Kelabat Bay (P I 16 – 18). The difference in morphometric (47.83%) and meristic indicates that different locations and environment have considerable impact on morphometric and meristic characters. Keywords—Morphometric, Meristic, Anodontostoma sp, Bangka Belitung