The variability of morphometric and meristic characteristics of Urmia chub, Petroleuciscus ulanus (Günther, 1899) in the Mahabd-Chai and Godar-Chai rivers, Lake Urmia basin

Abstract

In this study, for the first time, we provide morphometric and meristic data on Petroleuciscus ulanus from the Lake Urmia basin by comparing them in the populations of the Mahabad-Chai and Godar-Chai rivers. For this purpose, a total of 100 specimens were collected using electrofishing device and cast net during 2014 and 2015. 19 morphometric and 8 meristic traits were measured and counted, respectively. The meristic traits of the two populations showed significant differences in three characters, including branched dorsal and ventral fin rays and lateral line scales (P<0.05). In addition, the morphometric analysis showed significant differences in head length, eye diameter, caudal peduncle length, dorsal fin height and base lengths, pectoral and ventral fin lengths, anal fin base and height lengths (P<0.05). The finding of the current study can help to further studies on the biological features of this endemic species of Iranian inland waters.