Inter-population variability in morphology and reproduction of Alburnus alburnus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Inter-population variability in morphological traits and fecundity of Alburnus alburnus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Bosnia and Herzegovina was analysed in this study. The results of the analyses based on 21 standard measurements and six meristic characters have shown the highest variation between distance between pelvic (ventral) fins and anal aperture. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicate statistically significant differences between six populations. Differences among meristic characters have been tested by Multiple Comparisons Kruskal-Wallas. Obtained results indicate statistically significant difference among samples for number of branched rays for caudal fin (KA/Ca), lateral line scales (Le) and a number of gill rackers (Rac). Discriminant function analysis indicate characters that had the strongest effect on the geographical variation between A. alburnus samples from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Characters with the strongest discriminant power are: preanal distance, length of pectoral fin, length of the ventral (pelvic) fin, minimum body height, caudal fins branched rays, and pelvic fins branched rays.Values for weight of the gonads and gonadosomatic index (GSI) have not shown any statistically significant difference among observed bleak populations. Regression analysis has been used to estimate the relations between GSI and standard length, body, and gonads weight. The gonadosomatic index has shown positive, non substational, relationship to gonads weight.