Morphometric and Meristic Features of Gangetic Hairfin Anchovy, Setipinna phasa (Hamilton, 1822) in the Bay of Bengal (Bangladesh).

Morphometric and meristic features is used for identification, classification and specification of any organism or differentiate between closely related species. This research work describes the morphological relationships and meristic features of Setipinna phasa in the Bay of Bengal, southern portion of Bangladesh. Total 255 individuals of S. phasa were collected during study period from July 2018 to December 2019. Different morphometric lengths and body weight (BW) were estimated, total length (TL) and BW were ranged from 11.1-28.4 cm (mean±SD = 18.04±3.74) and 9-123 g (34.74±24.73), respectively. The LWRs were highly significant (p≤ 0.0001) with all r 2 ≥ 0.904. The best fitted model between 11 equations of LWRs was BW vs. TL on the basis of r2 values. The LLRs were also highly correlated (p≤0.0001) with r2 ≥0.938 where TL vs. FL, TL vs.SL and TL vs. PoAnL was the best fitted model between 10 equations basis of maximum r2 value. Counted fin formula was dorsal, D. 9-12 (1-2/7-11); pectoral, P. 12-13 (1/11- 12); pelvic, Pv.7 (1-2/5-6); anal, A. 42-49 (1-2/40-48) and caudal, C. 18-22 (2/16-20). Outcomes of this research work would be help to management and stock assessment of S. phasa in the marine ecosystem of Bangladesh and adjacent countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]