Morphometric relationships and sexual dimorphism in Pethia punctata, an Endemic barb of Western Ghats, India

Length-length relationships and morphometry-based sexual dimorphism in Pethia punctata, an endemic barb having food and ornamental importance have been determined using 33 morphometric parameters. The species exhibits persistent dichromatic characteristics with the possession of two to three rows of black spots on the dorsal fin in males vs lacking the same in females. Males’ develop bright golden nuptial color with faintly red-tipped anal and pelvic fins while females do not exhibit any such color development. LLRs revealed that various lengths vs. standard length follow an allometric relationship (1<b>1). Total length and standard length are correlated positively as well as significantly correlated with a good fit (R²>0.9). Six morphometric parameters showed significant differences (p<0.05) between males and females (HL, SPD, PoDL, CPL, ML and FPL). The first pectoral-fin ray length showed significant variation between males and females (p=0.003). This firsthand basal information on morphometrics and biometry based sexual dimorphism in P. punctata will be aiding life-history studies as well as conservation and sustainable use of the fish species.