Morphological Diversity and Stock Structure of Indian Oil Sardine, Sardinella longiceps (Valenciennes, 1847) along the West Coast of India
摘要
The Indian oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps) is a vital species in Indian marine fisheries, significantly contributing to national production. Despite its economic and ecological significance, uncertainties regarding the stock structure of this species have persisted. This study aimed to clarify the stock structure of S. longiceps along the west coast of India using truss morphometry. A total of 326 specimens from four regions were analyzed through multivariate methods, including MANOVA, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). Although the results indicated morphological differences among the sampled regions, the DFA showed considerable intermingling of stocks, suggesting the presence of a single morphological stock. These findings align with recent genetic studies, supporting unified management of the species, though localized morphological variation was noted. Further research incorporating genetic data and environmental factors is recommended to fully elucidate the stock structure and ensure the sustainable management of this key species.