Biometric Relationships Research Articles

Size Distribution, Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Index of Tagelus adansonii Bosc 1801 (Mollusca: Bivalvia, Solecurtidae) in the Joal-Fadiouth Lagoon (Senegal)

Size distribution, length-weight relationship and condition index are some of the many parameters that contribute to the study of the growth, environmental conditions and reproduction of an aquatic species. For Tagelus adansonii, only a few studies were carried out on these parameters. This species is a bivalve of the solecurtidae family only found on the East Atlantic Coast between Mauritania and Angola. The objective of this study was to examine the biometric relationships as well as size and condition index variations, within the perspective of resource management. In this study, the average size obtained (47.78mm) from the monthly sampling in Joal Fadiouth lagoon was smaller compared to sizes obtained in other countries for the same genus and species. The size frequency distribution is unimodal, the most abundant class is 45-50mm. The mean condition index is 18.41±16.47 using the formula by Beninger and Lucas (1984). The values of the condition indices varied throughout the duration of the study. In the period of cold-to-warm transition (June) the maximum values of the condition indices were observed, while in the period of warm-to-cold transition (November to December), the minimum values were registered. The allometry is positive (3.07) in Joal as in most studies on this genus.

Using terrestrial laser scanning for characterizing tree structural parameters and their changes under different management in a Mediterranean open woodland

Analyzing tree structural features and capturing their temporal dynamic is challenging but crucial for determining key state variables related to plant function, management practices, and aboveground vegetation stocks. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) provides a mean for representing those key variables in three-dimensional space and through time.Here we further developed and tested two point cloud slice-based methods for estimating diameter at breast height (DBH) based on how the delineation of the slices of the tree stem point cloud was performed: the first method was based on the circumference of a slice (CM), and the second method was based on the average diameter of a slice (PM). Further, we focused on the characterization of three tree structural properties from TLS: maximum tree height (hmax), crown projected area (CA), and DBH, and then on the evaluation of their biometric relationships. Finally, we tested the potential of multitemporal TLS for evaluating the impact of tree management on tree structural properties and growth in a Mediterranean open woodland. In particular, we evaluated the effect of tree pruning and fertilization on hmax and CA.The study was conducted in three plots exposed to different fertilization treatments in a Mediterranean open woodland with ≃20% of fractional cover of evergreen holm oak (Quercus ilex L.): a control treatment without fertilization, a Nitrogen addition treatment, and a Nitrogen plus Phosphorus addition treatment. Pruning effects on tree growth were assessed in two plots within the control: an unpruned area and an area pruned in 2005.Estimation of the DBH showed a good agreement with field measurements (R2 = 0.93 for PM and R2 = 0.94 for CM). Despite Quercus ilex L. being characterized as a slow-growing species, a temporal difference of three years among TLS was sufficient to quantify the influence of different management strategies on tree structural properties and growth rates. Our results showed: (i) CA increased relatively more than hmax, independent of the respective management strategy, suggesting a preferential lateral growth in holm oak tree canopies in this open woodland, (ii) pruned trees showed larger changes in CA than control trees (Wilcoxon test p < 0.01), whereas fertilized trees grew more in height compared with control trees (Wilcoxon test p < 0.01), and (iii) biometric relationships among plant properties were affected by nutrient fertilization and pruning. These results show that multitemporal TLS shows promise for monitoring even small changes in crown dimensions, and it is a valuable tool for conducting vegetation dynamics studies and quantifying management effects.

Multiple-Phase Biometric Relationships and Sexual Maturity in the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus thynnus (Osteichthyes: Scombridae).

Simple SummaryFish undergo distinct growth phases during their life. Passages from one growth phase to the following one correspond to a dramatic change in body proportion and/or growth rate. These changes can be detected as change-points in biometric relationships, such as that between length and weight. In this paper, we checked whether any change-points could be detected in the somatic proportions of the Atlantic bluefin tuna during its growth in order to better define some life history traits, including size at sexual maturity, that represent the essential basic knowledge for the effective management of this species. Fork length–weight relationship, length–age relationship (von Bertalanffy growth equation), and the relationship between the surface of the cross section of the first dorsal spine (a measure indicative of spine bone thickness) and the fork length were examined. All of the somatic relationships showed a change-point between 101 and 110 cm fork length. The present results corroborate the disputed hypothesis that Atlantic bluefin tuna from the eastern stock reproduce for the first time at 3–4 years of age.Most fish undergo distinct growth phases during ontogenesis. An extremely important passage from the juvenile to adult phase occurs at the onset of sexual maturity, which shows in body proportion and/or growth rate changes. These can be detected as change-points in biometric relationships. In this paper, the Atlantic bluefin tuna was analyzed to verify whether its somatic proportions show any sign of discontinuity during growth, i.e., whether any change-points may be detected in its somatic proportions. This fish has never been examined in this respect, and single-phase models, which are indeed easier to both compute and apply, are used in stock analyses. The following somatic relationships were analyzed in Atlantic bluefin tuna captured in the Mediterranean Sea between 1998 and 2010: “fork length–weight” regression, the von Bertalanffy growth equation, and “first dorsal spine cross section surface–fork length” regression. All of the examined relationships were found to be best modelled by multiple-phase regression equations, and all of them showed a change-point within the range of 101–110 cm fork length, which corresponds to 3–4 years of age. The present results, based on reproductive state-independent analyses, corroborate the disputed hypothesis that Atlantic bluefin tuna from the eastern stock in fact reproduce for the first time at this age.

Biometric relationships and sex ratio for red-spotted shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Latreille, 1817) (Decapoda, Penaeidae) from the coast of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil

Abstract The goal of this study was to estimate the biometric relationships and sex ratio for the red-spotted shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Latreille, 1817) from the coast of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil. A total of 132 specimens of F. brasiliensis were collected and analyzed (65 females and 67 males) from May 2015 to May 2016. The overall sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1. Female size ranged from 20.73-46.43 mm of carapace length (CL), whereas male size ranged from 20.75-32.47 mm CL. Females were larger (34.78±6.05 mm CL, 152.61±19.68 mm of total length (TL)) and heavier (27.45±11.12 g of wet weight (WW)) than males (27.07±2.56 mm CL, 123.77±11.37 mm TL and 14.48±3.98 g WW). All biometric relationships were different between females and males. Both TL vs CL and WW vs TL relationships indicated positive allometric growth. Data shown here correspond to an adult population exploited by local shrimp fleets and are an important contribution to the biological knowledge of this species, especially in northeastern Brazil, where there is no information available.

Biometry, length-weight and length-length relationships of flathead sillago Sillaginopsis panijus (Hamilton, 1822) (Perciformes: Sillaginidae) from the north-western Bay of Bengal

Biometry, length-weight relationships (LWRs) and length-length relationships (LLRs) of Sillaginopsis panijus (Hamilton, 1822) were investigated in the Indian coast of north-western Bay of Bengal. Altogether 622 specimens were collected between August 2018 and September 2019 from landings by trawls (30-35 mm mesh size), gillnets (15-55 mm mesh size) and shore seines (7-15 mm bag mesh size). The total length and weight of the specimens ranged from 7.8-40.3 cm and 2.9-506 g, respectively. The LWR established was W=0.0048 L3.059 for males, W=0.0032 L3.185 for females and W=0.0047 L3.0645 for indeterminates, indicating positive allometric growth pattern. All the LWRs were highly significant (p&lt;0.001, r2≥0.977). The highest coefficient of correlation (r) was observed for total length against fork length (0.999) and lowest for head length against eye diameter (0.951). The fin formula was expressed as D1 X, D2 I + 24-28, P 17-22, V I + 5, A II + 25-27, GR 2-3/6-9. The study provides the first detailed account of the biometric relationships of S. panijus in the north-western Bay of Bengal, which can be used as baseline information for subsequent biological and population based studies in the region.

Biometric Relationships between Otolith and Fish Size of the Main Demersal Resources of North Patagonia, Argentina

Allometric power equations are generated using otolith length and width in order to estimate the total length of five demersal species inhabiting the San Matias Gulf, the second largest gulf in Argentina. The selected fish species are economically important resources in Argentina and have been identified as prey for the system’s main predators. A total of 2795 specimens were sampled, and data were fitted using the nonlinear least squares analysis. It is shown that the length and width of the otolith are good predictors of the total fish length. A slightly better regression fit is observed when otolith length was considered as a predictor. Statistically significant morphometric differences in regression models were observed between sexes, except for Acanthistius patachonicus. Results are discussed and compared with those reported by other authors.

Biometric relationships between body size and otolith size in 15 demersal marine fish species from the northern Brazilian coast

ABSTRACT The relationships between fish size and sagitta otolith measurements were calculated for the first time for 15 species belonging to six families from the northern Brazilian coast. A total of 220 fish were sampled from the bycatch landed by the bottom-trawl industrial shrimp-fishing fleet between August and September 2016. All species had strong relationships between otolith measurements and fish total length with the coefficient of determination (r 2) ranging between 0.71 and 0.99. The variable most strongly related to fish total length was found to be the sagittal otolith length (OL) with 98% of the variability. These relationships are a useful tool to estimate length and mass of preyed fish from otoliths found in stomach contents of marine predators.

PAPAYA SEEDLING PRODUCTION UNDER DIFFERENT SHADING LEVELS AND SUBSTRATE COMPOSITIONS

ABSTRACT Papaya is characterized as one of the most important crops in Brazil. Thus, good quality seedlings are essential for formation of orchards in agricultural production. This study aimed to evaluate shading levels and substrate compositions for production of papaya seedlings. Growing environments were evaluated with 0, 18, 35, and 50% shading and substrates from combinations (%) of hillside soil (HS), cattle manure (CM), Bioplant® (BP), washed fine sand (FS), and super fine-grained vermiculite (FV). As there was no replication for the growing environments, the group of experiments were analyzed using a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement (4 shades × 4 substrates), with five replications. Growth and biometric relationships were analyzed. Substrates consisting of 30% HS + 15% CM + 20% BP + 20% FS + 15% FV and 45% HS + 0% CM + 20% BP + 20% FS + 15% FV, as well as environments with 18 and 35% shading formed seedlings with higher plant heights, diameters, phytomass, and Dickson quality indices. The results showed that substrates with a higher content of hillside soil and lower content of cattle manure, associated with an environment with 18 or 35% shading, provided high-quality seedlings.

Biometry of the large dragonfly Anax imperator (Odonata: Aeshnidae): A study of traits from larval development to adults

Insect larval development affects adult traits but the biometric relationships are usually poorly understood, including large odonates. In this study, measurements of morphological traits of larvae, exuviae and adults of Anax imperator were recorded. They were used to investigate the effects of early development on adult morphology. Results showed an increase in larval length during the final instar and the length of its exuviae significantly exceeded that of the larva. Length and body mass of teneral adults were strongly related to the length of their exuviae. Adult males were significantly longer than adult females, while both had the same body mass at emergence. Length of teneral adults was negatively related to the date of emergence in both sexes. During maturation, body mass of males only increased slightly whereas that of females increased greatly. Mature specimens were also significantly longer than teneral individuals. Body mass of mature males and length of mature females were both associated with the date of capture. Wing length did not differ between sexes or from data available from Great Britain. This study underscores the importance of taking into account larval growth in order to better understand the adult traits of odonates.

Biometric relationships for commercially important penaeid shrimp species on the east coast of the Gulf of California

Biometric relationships were estimated for the three most important shrimp species on the coasts of the Gulf of California, Mexico. Individuals were obtained from six lagoon systems, and offshore sites along the east coast of the Gulf of California, mainly in the state of Sonora, between March and September of 2015 and 2016. A total of 25,764 individuals of Penaeus stylirostris , Penaeus vannamei and Farfantepenaeus californiensis were analyzed; the length and weight regression for the females, males and combined sexes showed a high correlation between variables. Additionally, some statistically significant differences were found in the linear length and weight relationships ( P < 0.05) between sexes. This study reports the length-weight parameters for a key site of the shrimp fishery, it covers a wide range of sizes for each species and was based on the stages late inshore juvenile and offshore of the shrimp lifecycle; as such, this study provides useful information for future estimations of indispensable parameters for stock assessment analyses.

Distribution and population dynamics of the rock shrimp Sicyonia ingentis and Sicyonia penicillata (Decapoda: Sicyoniidae) in the Gulf of California

Aspects of distribution and population dynamics were assessed in two rock shrimp species of the genus Sicyonia . Samples were obtained by sea bottom trawling in depths from 50 to 460 m during two research cruises on board the B/I BIP XII in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Taxonomic identification of specimens was performed; measurements of individual length and weight data were taken to obtain biometric relationships and length frequencies. Growth parameter estimations were performed adjusting the von Bertalanffy growth model (VBGM), and the recruitment pattern was obtained by the ELEFAN II method. Longevity was estimated with the Taylor equation, natural mortality with six different models, and length at first maturity by the logistic model. A total of 67 fishing trawls were monitored, and 1,330 specimens were caught (65% S. ingentis ; 35% S. penicillata ) in the depth range from 124 to 338 m. Sex ratio (F:M) was 1.0:1.6 for both species; weight and length relationships (both sexes) showed an isometric growth for S. ingentis and positive allometric growth for S. penicillata . Growth parameters and longevity values were moderate (1.71 and 1.81 years) with age at first maturity around six months for both species. The recruitment pattern showed continuous periods all year long, with a notable peak from November to May. Average natural mortality was 2.47 for S. ingentis and 2.35 for S. penicillata . Distribution and population dynamics information reported in this study for these two shrimp species should be considered as base knowledge in subsequent studies on fisheries management in the Gulf of California.

Refractive outcomes following cataract surgery in patients who have had myopic laser vision correction

ObjectivePrediction errors are increased among patients presenting for cataract surgery post laser vision correction (LVC) as biometric relationships are altered. We investigated the prediction errors of five formulae among these...

Allometric models to estimate tree height in northern Amazonian ecotone forests

ABSTRACT Allometric models defining the relationship between stem diameter and total tree height in the Amazon basin are important because they refine the estimates of tree carbon stocks and flow in the region. This study tests different allometric models to estimate the total tree height from the stem diameter in an ecotone zone between ombrophilous and seasonal forests in the Brazilian state of Roraima, in northern Amazonia. Stem diameter and total height were measured directly in 65 recently fallen trees (live or dead). Linear and nonlinear regressions were tested to represent the D:H relation in this specific ecotone zone. Criteria for model selection were the standard error of the estimate (Syx) and the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²adj), complemented by the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Analysis of residuals of the most parsimonious nonlinear models showed a tendency to overestimate the total tree height for trees in the 20-40 cm diameter range. Application of our best fitted model (Michaelis-Menten) indicated that previously published general equations for the tropics that use diameter as the independent variable can either overestimate tree height in the study area by 10-29% (Weibull models) or underestimate it by 8% (climate-based models). We concluded that our site-specific model can be used in the ecotone forests studied in Roraima because it realistically reflects the local biometric relationships between stem diameter and total tree height. Studies need to be expanded in peripheral areas of northern Amazonia in order to reduce uncertainties in biomass and carbon estimates that use the tree height as a variable in general models.

Morphology of the inferior pharyngeal bones of white bream (Blicca bjoerkna) in River Warta.

The inferior pharyngeal bones are a characteristic feature of the Cyprinidae. Morphology of inferior pharyngeal bones is important in the diagnosis of carnivorous food, or determining the diet of fishes. Due to the lack of literature data, the aim of the study was to examine the morphology of the inferior pharyngeal bone in detail. 102 Blicca bjoerkna specimens caught in the River Warta (Poland) were analysed. 204 inferior pharyngeal bones were collected. The parameters of the inferior pharyngeal bones correlated with the measured head features and the total fish length. The arches of inferior pharyngeal bones did not have directional asymmetry for the two main parameters (height and width of inferior pharyngeal bone). However, there was a left-sided directional asymmetry of the ventral part of inferior pharyngeal bone. In the case of the B.bjoerkna from River Warta, large differences in terms of individual parameters of inferior pharyngeal bones were observed. Fluctuation asymmetry was low. Shape of inferior pharyngeal bones was very round. In total, 12 teeth formulas were described. The 35.29% of the fish had formula different than described in the literature 2.5-5.2 and more teeth in the right arches. Following identification, measurements of the structures enable estimation of the lengths and weights of prey to be determined from biometric relationships. Analysis of body morphological features in combination with pharyngeal bone morphology could show a hybrid in the Warta river's population.

A direct and straightforward method for measurement real maximum fish stomach volume to improve aquaculture feeding research

In fish feeding studies, stomach related parameters are mainly measured in order to have biometric relationships. To determine those parameters a direct and straightforward method for measuring real maximum stomach volume in fish based on Archimedes' principle was tested and compared against a traditional method. The new method is based on the measure of the real maximum stomach volume when fish are fed ad libitum. By contrast, the traditional method measures the forced expanded capacity of the stomach under an arbitrarily assigned hydraulic pressure head of a 50 cm column of water. The two methods were assayed in juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, and the results displayed significant different stomach volume and related indices. The best relationships for potential regression were obtained using the Archimedes’ principle method, being between fish weight and stomach volume (R 2 = 0.68), and stomach content and stomach volume (R 2 = 0.95). These results indicate that the measurement of real maximum stomach volume in fish using the Archimedes’ principle method could be a useful method of estimation of how much stomach can expand; this can be a suitable tool to improve fish feeding research by regulating the amount of feed that can be ingested by animals.

Population dynamics of black brotula (Cherublemma emmelas) in deep waters of the Gulf of California

First report of the dynamic populations (structure size, growth, size at first maturity, longevity, natural mortality, and recruitment pattern) of black brotula Cherublemma emmelas in the Gulf of California. Growth parameters (L, k and to) were estimated using the von Bertalanffy model. The ELEFAN II method was used to estimate recruitment pattern and Taylor’s equation to estimate longevity. Natural mortality was determined using Pauly’s equations and Jensen’s. Size at first maturity was obtained by adjusting a logistics model. During four cruises on board the BIP-XI research ship, 2148 specimens were caught at 119-499 m depth in February and May 2005, and June and October 2007. The size structure showed a bimodal distribution with lengths from eight to 32 cm of total length and 15.9 cm average size. The biometric relationship between weight and length showing allometric growth rate (b ≠ 3) for sex. The fitted growth parameters were L ∞ = 33 cm; k = 0.6 yr -1 ; t o = -0.26 year indicated a moderate growth, while longevity was five years of age. Size at first sexual maturity was 18.8 cm, and natural mortality was 0.77 yr -1 (by Pauly) and 0.90 (by Jensen). The recruitment pattern showed peaks in June and July. Normal 0 21 false false false ES-MX JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-ansi-language:ES-MX; mso-fareast-language:ES-MX;}

A direct and straightforward method for measurement real maximum fish stomach volume to improve aquaculture feeding research

In fish feeding studies, stomach related parameters are mainly measured in order to have biometric relationships. To determine those parameters a direct and straightforward method for measuring real maximum stomach volume in fish based on Archimedes' principle was tested and compared against a traditional method. The new method is based on the measure of the real maximum stomach volume when fish are fed ad libitum. By contrast, the traditional method measures the forced expanded capacity of the stomach under an arbitrarily assigned hydraulic pressure head of a 50 cm column of water. The two methods were assayed in juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, and the results displayed significant different stomach volume and related indices. The best relationships for potential regression were obtained using the Archimedes’ principle method, being between fish weight and stomach volume (R 2 = 0.68), and stomach content and stomach volume (R 2 = 0.95). These results indicate that the measurement of real maximum stomach volume in fish using the Archimedes’ principle method could be a useful method of estimation of how much stomach can expand; this can be a suitable tool to improve fish feeding research by regulating the amount of feed that can be ingested by animals.

Body size and temperature effects on standard metabolic rate for determining metabolic scope for activity of the polychaete Hediste (Nereis) diversicolor.

Considering the ecological importance and potential value of Hediste diversicolor, a better understanding of its metabolic rate and potential growth rates is required. The aims of this study are: (i) to describe key biometric relationships; (ii) to test the effects of temperature and body size on standard metabolic rate (as measure by oxygen consumption) to determine critical parameters, namely Arrhenius temperature (TA), allometric coefficient (b) and reaction rate; and (iii) to determine the metabolic scope for activity (MSA) of H. diversicolor for further comparison with published specific growth rates. Individuals were collected in a Mediterranean lagoon (France). After 10 days of acclimatization, 7 days at a fixed temperature and 24 h of fasting, resting oxygen consumption rates (VO2) were individually measured in the dark at four different temperatures (11, 17, 22 and 27 °C) in worms weighing from 4 to 94 mgDW (n = 27 per temperature). Results showed that DW and L3 were the most accurate measurements of weight and length, respectively, among all the metrics tested. Conversion of WW (mg), DW (mg) and L3 (mm) were quantified with the following equations: DW = 0.15 × WW, L3 = 0.025 × TL(mm) + 1.44 and DW = 0.8 × L33.68. Using an equation based on temperature and allometric effects, the allometric coefficient (b) was estimated at 0.8 for DW and at 2.83 for L3. The reaction rate (VO2) equaled to 12.33 µmol gDW−1 h−1 and 0.05 µmol mm L3−1 h−1 at the reference temperature (20 °C, 293.15 K). Arrhenius temperature (TA) was 5,707 and 5,664 K (for DW and L3, respectively). Metabolic scope for activity ranged from 120.1 to 627.6 J gDW−1 d−1. Predicted maximum growth rate increased with temperature, with expected values of 7–10% in the range of 15–20 °C. MSA was then used to evaluate specific growth rates (SGR) in several experiments. This paper may be used as a reference and could have interesting applications in the fields of aquaculture, ecology and biogeochemical processes.

Biometric relationships of the deep-water velvet shrimpMetapenaeopsis sibogae(De Man, 1907) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Penaeidae) in Kagoshima Bay, Japan

Metapenaeopsis sibogae (De Man 1907) is a newly recorded shrimp in Japanese waters and is an emerging fisheries resource. We studied the biometric relationships of M. sibogae in Kagoshima Bay, sout...

To Estimate Growth Function by the Use of SLW Index in the Sea Cucumber Holothuria arenicola (Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) of Pakistan (Northern Arabian Sea)

Accurate measurements of weight and length in sea cucumbers are difficult due to body wall elasticity. The compound indices that combine different biometric parameters can be utilized to obtain more precise biometric relationships. We estimated parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth functions like K, L∞ and t0 in Holothuria arenicola. Total length, total weight and gutted weight were measured. A compound index in which the length and width were combined to produce the SLW index (square root of length multiplied by width) and its associated transformation like Le (recalculated length) were evaluated and the morphometric relationships between total weight/total length, gutted weight/ total length, total weight/recalculated length and gutted weight/recalculated length were also investigated. Student’s t-test showed that H. arenicola grows allometrically (b not equal to 3, P < 0.05), with negative allometric tendency. No difference was found in total body length and recalculated length of an anesthetized sea cucumber in present study. The estimated natural mortality of H. arenicola found as low as compared to other species of sea cucumber which showed that this species may be more resistant to predation. Furthermore, these results are potentially significant to progress aquaculture systems for this and other comparable sea cucumber species in subtropical ecosystems.