Investigation of morphometric variation and differentiation in common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) using factor analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) in southern part of the Caspian Sea

This study was conducted to investigate morphometric variation and differentiation in common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) caught from Amir Abad and Babolsar fishing ports during winter 2013. Totally, 330 specimens (272 specimens from Amir Abad port and 58 specimens from Babolsar port) were caught by lift net and 30 absolute morphometric traits, 9 meristic traits, length and gonad, body weights were measured. Results of Two-way analysis of varience on standard morphometric traits indicated significant interactions between sampling stations and fish gender (P<0.05). Male and female specimens showed significant differences between stations in 74 and 48% of traits, respectively (P<0.05). Specimens of male and female caught from Babolsar port had more length and weight in contrast to their counterparts in AmirAbad. Results of DFA and scatter polt diagram of principle components (PCA) did not confirm the existence of distinct common kilka stocks at Amir Abad and Babolsar stations and sexually dimorphic between male and female individuals. Overally, morphometric traits could better explain differentiation of common kilka studied in the area.