Landmark-based Morphometric and Meristic Analysis of Serranidae

Area of Science:

• Ichthyology
• Comparative Anatomy
• Taxonomy

Background:

• Accurate species identification is crucial for fisheries management and conservation.
• Grouper species (Epinephelus spp.) are commercially important but can be difficult to distinguish based on external features alone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the morphometric and meristic characteristics of kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red-spotted grouper (E. akaara), and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus).
• To evaluate the utility of these characteristics for differentiating between these three grouper species.

Main Methods:

• Landmark-based morphometric analysis of 38 dimensions (truss and head measurements).
• Meristic counts of dorsal, anal, and caudal fins (6 counts).
• Radiographic imaging to assess vertebral column curvature and swim bladder size.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in morphometric dimensions, particularly in the caudal part of the truss system and overall head dimensions.
• Meristic counts revealed distinct patterns in fin ray numbers among the species.
• Kelp grouper exhibited a more curved vertebral column and larger swim bladder compared to the other two species.

Conclusions:

• Morphometric and meristic data provide reliable parameters for distinguishing between Epinephelus bruneus, E. akaara, and E. septemfasciatus.
• These findings support the use of external body shape and meristic counts as taxonomic identifiers within the Serranidae family.