Phenotypic plasticity in Barilius vagra (Hamilton, 1822) (Teleostei: Danionidae) from two geographically distinct river basins of Indian Himalaya

• DOI: 10.11609/jott.7414.13.13.19976-19984
• Publication Date: 2021-11-26T11:41:22Z
• Authors: Sumit Kumar; Sharali Sharma; Deepak Singh
• Keywords: Teleostei; Centrarchidae; Morphometrics

Truss-based morphometric analysis was used to examine phenotypic plasticity of Barilius vagra (Hamilton, 1822) inhabiting the tributaries Alaknanda (Ganga River basin) and Chenab (Indus basin), two geographically distinct river basins in Indian Himalaya. Fourteen landmarks were connected generate a truss network 90 parameters on body fish. Eighty traits out ninety measurements explained statistically significant difference among six sampling locations from streams basins. Discriminant function revealed 82% specimens originally classified into their own groups. 95% variance by 13 principal components. Morphometric characters (1–6, 1–13, 2–5, 2–6, 2–14, 3–6, 4–6, 4–14, 6–12, 7–8, 7–9, 10–11, 13–14) contributed greatly differentiation B. populations different The basin reflected some mixing within populations, which may be due common environmental conditions fish migration these streams. This study will helpful framing site-specific conservation management strategies, such as net mesh size selection, avoiding overexploitation, stock augmentation food availability for populations.