Stock structure of Lake Baikal omul as determined by whole-body morphology

Journal of Fish Biology
By: , and 

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Abstract

In Lake Baikal, three morphotypes of omul Coregonus autumnalis migratorius are recognized; the littoral, pelagic, and deep-water forms. Morphotype assignment is difficult, and similar to that encountered in pelagic and deep-water coregonines in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Principal component analysis revealed separation of all three morphotypes based on caudal peduncle length and depth, length and depth of the body between the dorsal and anal fin, and distance between the pectoral and the pelvic fins. Strong negative loadings were associated with head measurements. Omul of the same morphotype captured at different locations were classified to location of capture using step-wise discriminant function analysis. Jackknife correct classifications ranged from 43 to 78% for littoral omul from five locations, and 45–86% for pelagic omul from four locations. Patterns of location misclassification of littoral omul suggested that the sub-population structure, hence stock affinity, may be influenced by movements and intermixing of individuals among areas that are joined bathymetrically. Pelagic omul were more distinguishable by site and may support a previous hypothesis of a spawning-based rather than a foraging-based sub-population structure. Omul morphotypes may reflect adaptations to both ecological and local environmental conditions, and may have a genetic basis.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Stock structure of Lake Baikal omul as determined by whole-body morphology
Series title Journal of Fish Biology
DOI 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1999.tb02033.x
Volume 54
Issue 4
Year Published 1999
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 12 p.
First page 787
Last page 798
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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