Morphological diversity of the Caspian Asp,<i>Leuciscus aspius</i>, in the South Caspian Sea basin (Osteichthyes: Cyprinidae)

To study the intraspecific diversity of Caspian Asp, Leuciscus aspius in South Sea region, Iran, we collected 2016–2017 a total 101 specimens from Aras River and Astara, Anzali, Kiashahr Langeroud shores, analysed 41 morphometric nine meristic characteristics with multivariate statistical methods. Significant differences were found between these populations 27 traits. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that upper caudal-fin length maximum body depth are effective characters along PC1 PC2 axis, based on MONOVA/CVA, studied significant (P<0.01). Morphometric more powerful than distinguishing L. populations. It is discussed whether habitats spawning grounds affect morphological