AB 7:243-247 (2009)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00193

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to see if a simple, low-cost anatomical method could be used to identify genetic differences among different populations of pouting Trisopterus luscus. We based our study on 8 anatomical units of the pouting skeleton in 170 specimens from 4 populations (3 Atlantic, 1 Mediterranean). Significant variations in the relative size of the respiratory anatomical structures and other cranial regions were present. These differences are thought to be a consequence of the different environmental conditions to which the fish are exposed. This is most noticeable along the Mediterranean coasts of the Alborán Sea, where pouting show a significant increase in the size of skeletal structures involved in respiration, whereas the Atlantic populations showed no interpopulation variation, suggesting the existence of a genetic barrier between the Mediterranean and Atlantic populations. Further research is needed to identify possible environmental factors involved.

KEY WORDS: Pouting · Atlantic · Mediterranean · Skeleton · Anatomy

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Cite this article as: Thiam N, Miramontes-Sequeiros LC, Palanca-Castán N, Palanca-Soler A (2009) Anatomical differences among Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of Trisopterus luscus (Pisces). Aquat Biol 7:243-247. https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00193 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - Bluesky - linkedIn