Determination of sexual dimorphism using morphometric techniques in Rachycentron canadum (Perciformes: Rachycentridae) cultivated in captivity

Abstract

Rachycentron canadum is an economically important fish in aquaculture due to its resistance to environmental variations, the feasibility of culture in confinement, high growth rates, and good acceptance by consumers. The profitability of their cage culture is negatively affected by the difficulty of implementing monosex cultures due to the apparent similarity between sexes. In this study, morphometric techniques were used to determine sexual dimorphism by analyzing measurements and the fish’s shape. Differences were found between the sexes in the position of the eyes, lips, pectoral fin and ventral fin, and the body’s general shape. The sexing precision of the individuals was 75.4 % with distances and 82.7 % with geometric morphometry.