Meristic Characters of Two Morone Hybrids

Abstract

Eight of 14 meristic characters counted for striped bass 9 (Morone saxatilis) x white bass d (M. chrysops) and striped bass 9 x white perch C (M. americana) hybrids showed statistical differences between the hybrid types. Of the eight, the clearest differentiating characters were: number of lateral line scales, number of scale rows above the lateral line, and number and appearance of tooth patches on the base of the tongue. Additionally, the dorsal fins were connected in the white perch hybrid. Both hybrids were generally intermediate between the parental species, but some traits resembled one parent more closely than the other. Frequency distributions for striped bass x white bass hybrid counts were skewed toward those characteristic of the white bass in four characters (second dorsal rays, pectoral rays, and scale rows above and below the lateral line) whereas counts of three characters (anal rays, tooth patches on the tongue and lateral line scales) were skewed toward those characteristic of the striped bass. Counts of five striped bass x white perch characters (pectoral rays, anal rays, scale rows above and below the lateral line, and tooth patches on the tongue) were skewed toward those characteristic of the striped bass, whereas counts of lateral line scales were skewed toward those of white perch. ,AND . 1972. Second discovery of mulDEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, SAMFORD UNIVERSItipl sex chro osomes among fishes. Experientia TY, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35209. Accepted