Traditional morphometrics of monogeneans (Metahaliotrema spp.) from scats off matang, perak

Abstract

Monogenean was parasites that found on the marine or freshwater fish gill and skin as their host. They used their haptoral organs which are anchors, bars and hooks to attach the host gill or skin. In this study, Metahaliotrema species of monogenean was observed. Metahaliotrema species mostly found the fish called Scatophagus argus. In this study, the specimens of Metahaliotrema from the host Scatophagus argus at Matang, Perak was analyzed. There were three species of Metahaliotrema species could be found in the host fish i.e. Metahaliotrema mizellei, Metahaliotrema filamentosum and Metahaliotrema ypsilocleithrum. The morphometrics measurement of specimen’s hard parts such as anchors, bars, copulatory organ and hook were be observed and measured using the software Leica QWin. The morphometrics information was analyzed based on morphometrics variables by using R to differentiate the Metahaliotrema species. The results show that the Metahaliotrema species were able to be differentiated by the morphometrics method. The measurement of all hard parts together was the best way to distinguish between the monogenean species. The measurementsof only the bars showed no differentiation at all.