Meristic and morphometric variation in two emperors (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Lethrinus) in Sulawesi waters

The aim of this research was to determine the differences in meristic and morphometric characteristics between Lethrinus lentjan (Lacepède, 1802), and Lethrinus rubrioperculatus (Sato, 1978), from two different areas: the waters off Makassar (South Sulawesi) and Manado (North Sulawesi). A total of 120 specimens were used in this research (30 specimens/species/site). Analysis of variance yielded six meristic and 21 morphometric characters selected to be transformed and used in further analysis. The meristic variables making the highest contribution towards between-group discrimination were the number of scales within the lateral line, scale rows between lateral line and base of middle dorsal fin spines, and scale rows in transverse series between origin of anal fin and lateral line. The morphometric data reveal between-population differences in 18 variables for L. lentjan and 17 variables for L. rubrioperculatus. Both species had higher mean values for morphometric characters in the Makassar population compared to the Manado population. The phenotypic variation observed in this research can be linked to environmental influences, however further research is needed on spatial and temporal segregation or populations or stocks, and whether there is a link between phenotype and genotype in these species.