Comparative Study on Morphology of Sarpa Salpa and Dentex Gibbosus (Perciformes) From the Southern Mediterranean Coast (Eastern Libya)

Eighteen Sarpa salpa and fifteen Dentex gibbous fish collected randomly from the artisanal catch of Benghazi landing site, eastern Libya (32°36' N 20°03' E), during fall winter 2019 were used in present study. Morphogenic features, 21 key morphometric 6 meristic parameters established for each fish. S. was fusiform with a terminal mouth, narrow caudal peduncle bifurcate fin. The body silvery white at belly side, grading into black dorsal horizontal yellow to stripes extended head region peduncle. D. gibbosus less large eyes lunate peduncle, mouth almost terminal, but slightly pinkish lighter side. heavier longer than gibbosus, all its significantly higher those except eye diameter gape. This trend existed even when related total length as ratio eliminate effect size. majority binary pairs salpa, correlated strongly positively other. Morphometric located within by linear power regressions, outside similar regressions. Almost regressions both positive highly significant, indicating that increased grew. "b" value length-weight regression indicated negative allometric growth fish; 2.715, 2.246. differences traits discussed relation modes feeding swimming, camouflage, habitat. Fulton condition factors 1.733 1.247 order. These did not change growth. correlate length, meaning they conservative features can be establish forms. forms derived were: D, X-XI (XI) + 14-17 (16); A, III 13-15 (14); P, 14-16 (15); V, I 5; LL, 70-80 (76) and, XI-XII (XII) 10-11 (10); 8-9 (9); 14-15 60-65 (62) gibbosus. numbers between parenthesis are modes.