Taxonomic differences and ecological conditionality of scale structure in three morphologically similar species of Far Eastern redfins of the genus Tribolodon (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

Abstract

Using the example of three morphologically similar species of the Far Eastern redfins of the genus Tribolodon, it has been shown that an analysis of scale structure allows species identification of not only adults, when they are not in their characteristic spawning dress, but also immature individuals. The most distinct interspecies differences of redfins have been found in the case of the combined use of three basic parameters of scales: lesser diameter, greater diameter, and number of radii. The differences between redfins in the shape and structure of their scales can be explained by the features of ecology of these species, e.g. the velocity of water flow in the breeding grounds and during overwintering in rivers.