Morphometric and meristic traits of megrim, Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis (Walbaum, 1792) from the eastern central Adriatic Sea

Abstract

The relationship between classical morphometric measurements (12) and meristic traits (8) was examined in 435 specimens of megrim (214 males, 221 females) caught in the eastern central Adriatic Sea. Total length of all specimens ranged from 9.0 to 34.6 cm. Morphological differences between males and females was not marked. Biometric analysis of the morphometric and meristic traits indicated a homogenous morphology stock of Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis in the eastern central Adriatic Sea. Changes in some morphometric traits obtained in conjunction with an increase in body length showed that smaller specimens have longer standard length, head, pectoral fins and preanal distance than adult specimens. The positive correlation recorded for the maximum body height indicated that the body slightly shortened with megrim growth. The morphometric and meristic traits of megrim from different Mediterranean and northeastern Atlantic areas are mostly in accordance with previously published articles.