Note on the examination of the morphometric differentiation among fish populations: The Truss System

Abstract: Identifying intraspecific units or stocks of a species with unique morphological characters enables a better management of these subunits of species and ensurs perpetuations of the resources. Multivariate morphometry has been commonly used to investigate the discreteness and interrelationships of stocks within a species. Different types of body measurements have been traditionally used to charecterise stocks. However these measurements have recently been criticised because there are several biases and weaknesses inherent in traditional characters. As an alternative, a new system of morphometric measurements called The Truss Network System has been increasingly used for stock identification. In this review a computer-originated approach to the collection and analysis of morphometric characteristics of stocks is described. Key Words: Stock identification, multivariate morphometric investigation, the Truss System