The ecological factors influencing morphological characteristics of Alburnusatr opatenae

The present study investigated morph metric characteristics of two populations of Alburnusatr opatenae in two rivers on north western Iran. In addition, the role of important ecological factors influencing morph metric features was studied. Ninety three specimens were collected from the Siminehrood (39) and Zarinerood (54) Rivers using electrocution. The specimens were photographed using a digital camera, imported into the software Image J and 21 morph metric characteristics were measured. The two populations had significant differences in morph metric features. Principal component analysis indicated that the distance between the pelvic fin and the snout, and also body height were the most important factor that separated the populations. Two-block partial least square showed that depth and Water flow ratehad the highest influence on morphology of A. atropatenae in the Siminehrood and Zarinerood Rivers.