Geographic and Sex-Based Morphometric Variation in Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus Linnaeus, 1758) from Eastern, Central, and Western Algeria: Implications for Stock Identification.

Abstract

The variability of thirty-one morphometric and eight meristic characters of
Tracharus tracharus L., collected between 2018 and 2020 from three
stations along the Algerian coast (East, Centre, and West), was examined
using 905 specimens ranging in total length from 9 to 24 cm. The results
revealed that individuals of indeterminate sex constituted the majority of the
sample (55.42%), with the highest proportion recorded in Oran (69%).
Geographic region proved to be the main discriminating factor (P = 0.000),
more influential than sex (P = 0.280). Specimens from Annaba exhibited a
more robust morphology compared to those from Algiers. Morphometric
characteristics were significantly more effective than meristic traits in
distinguishing individuals from the three studied regions, whereas meristic
characters did not allow for clear differentiation among sampling sites.
Although sexual dimorphism was moderate at the national scale, it was
more pronounced in Algiers. The observed differences mainly involved
greater development of the dorsal and anal fins in males and increased
posterior body length in females. The clear separation into three geographic
groups in the discriminant analysis supports the existence of distinct stocks
(East, Centre, and West), highlighting the need for region-specific fisheries
management strategies.

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