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A new approach to quantifying morphological variation in bluegill Lepomis macrochirus
Author(s) -
Gerry S. P.,
Wang J.,
Ellerby D. J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2011.02911.x
Subject(s) - lepomis macrochirus , littoral zone , biology , pelagic zone , intraspecific competition , fish fin , dorsal fin , bay , ecology , zoology , dorsum , anatomy , fishery , oceanography , fish <actinopterygii> , geology
Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus showed intraspecific morphological and behavioural differences dependent on the environment. Pelagic L. macrochirus had more fusiform bodies, a higher pectoral fin aspect ratio, a larger spiny dorsal fin area and pectoral fins located farther from the centre of mass than littoral L. macrochirus ( P < 0·05). The shape of the body and pectoral fins, in particular, were suggestive of adaptation for sustained high‐speed and economical labriform swimming. Littoral L. macrochirus had a deeper and wider body, deeper caudal fins and wider mouths than pelagic L. macrochirus ( P < 0·05). Additionally, the soft dorsal, pelvic, anal and caudal fins of littoral L. macrochirus were positioned farther from the centre of mass ( P < 0·05). The size and placement of these fins suggested that they will be effective in creating turning moments to facilitate manoeuvring in the macrophyte‐dense littoral habitat.