Phenotypic Variability in Dorsal-fin Rays of Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) from Western, Visayas, Philippines

Cobia, Rachycentron canadum, is the only species in family of Rachycentridae. Cobia typically characterized as having 26–33 dorsal-fin rays. However, an investigation specimens collected from Western Visayas waters revealed a wider variation ray count than previously reported, with some 35–36 Suspecting possible cryptic species, we compared mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequence for rays those more typical The sequences no genetic differences between two morphs. Morphometric measurements and meristic counting likewise found significant differences. This first report phenotypic variability Cobia. As result genotypic characterization presented this work, fisheries scientists ichthyologists will be aware existence