MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FIVE SPECIES OF PONYFISHES (FAMILY:LEIOGNATHIDAE) COLLECTED FROM TAMILNADU COAST, INDIA

Leiognathids, commonly known as ponyfishes are characterised by their protrusible mouth and there are a lot of controversies in their nomenclature. In this study, a total of five species of family Leiognathidae were collected from the Parangipettai landing centre, Tamilnadu, India. For morphometric analysis, 24 morphometric data points were collected for each species and their variation was studied. There were significant variations among the species, with minor overlap. Out of 24 characters, 14 were unique to each species. The features on pectoral and pelvic fins, upper and lower jaw lengths and pre-orbital length were highly significant variable characteristics among the ponyfish studied. Among the five species, the within-species variation was more in Gazza minuta and Eubleekeria splendens. But the within -species variation was less in Karalla dussumieri and Nuchequula gerreoides.