Some Data on Morphology of Antlered Sculpin Enophrys diceraus (Cottidae) from Taui Bay, Sea of Okhotsk

Abstract

Plastic and meristic traits, arrangement of teeth attached to jaw bones, and coloration in the antlered sculpin from Taui Bay, Sea of Okhotsk are considered. The data on allometric variability in plastic traits of this species are first reported. It has been proven that the most traits antlered sculpin are susceptible to variation in positive allometry (head proportions and fin sizes), while negative allometry can be observed only in several traits (the head length, the length of upper preopercular spine, and the maximum height of occipital ridge). A range of traits unsuscepyible to allometry of orbit diameter, distance from the orbit posterior edge and the occipital ridge posterior edge, predorsal distance, base length of pectoral fin, and length of caudal peduncle are revealed. The significant taxonomic traits including length of upper preopercular spine, interorbital width, and form and arrangement of lacrimale outgrowths are identified.