Abstract:
A total of 100 specimens of Systomus lateristriga from 13 localities of 5 states
(Terengganu, Perak, Johor, Pahang and Perlis) were analysed in terms of morphometric
and meristic characters in order to study the morphological differences and variation of
S. lateristriga in Peninsular Malaysia. Eight side view standard morphometric
measurements, 15 meristic measurements and 18 side view morphometric truss network
measurements were obtained from 100 individuals. Data was analysed using multivariate
analyses (Principal Component Analysis-PCA and Discriminant Function AnalysisDF
A). Morphometric characteristics were much more adequate than meristic characters
for a good separation of this species. The most relevant morphometric characteristics
differences between the individuals of Systomus lateristriga from different localities were
body depth, head morphology, area adjacent to caudal peduncle and the posterior of fish.
Meristic analysis showed the differences between the individual of specimens from
different localities were circumferential scale, dorsal fin-ray, pectoral fin-ray, post-dorsal
scale, pre-dorsal scale and lateral line scale. The results demonstrated the usefulness of
morphometric in classification of species and defining shape and size differences among
the individuals of S.lateristriga from different locality.
