Title : Analysis of otolith shape as a tool for discriminating stocks of cassava croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis) in Beninese waters
Abstract:
This study examined the right and left otoliths of 174 individuals of Pseudotolithus senegalensis from the Porto-Novo lagoon, Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic coast. The results show a significant variation in the population according to geographic location. Mixed-effects linear analysis showed no significant variation by site, side or sex (p > 0.05). Analysis of otolith shape using ANOVA showed significant differences for length, width and area (p < 0.05), but not for perimeter (p > 0.05). Canonical discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between sites (p < 0.05). Finally, shape analyses showed significant differences between sites (p = 0.0001) and between right and left sides (p =0.007), but no difference by sex (p = 0.395). The study of otolith morphology is therefore proving to be a valuable tool for differentiating stocks and understanding ecological variations. Keywords Otoliths, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Factorial Analysis, Porto-Novo Lagoon, Atlantic Coast and Lake Nokoue.
