Landmark-based Morphometric and Meristic Analysis of Serranidae.

The landmark-based morphometric and meristic analysis of the kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus) were performed to compare the differentiation of overall body shape and structure. The measurements of the morphometric dimensions were observed in 25 parts (truss dimension: 16 parts; head part dimension: 9 parts) of 38 morphometric dimensions and also meristic differences observed in 3 parts (dorsal fin, anal fin and caudal fin) of 6 meristic counts (P < 0.05). Observed morphometric characteristics primarily involved in truss and head part dimension, kelp grouper have larger values in caudal part of truss dimension, kelp grouper, red spotted grouper and seven-banded grouper have similar values in pectoral part of truss dimension, in addition to, results of head part dimension showed that red spotted grouper have smaller values in overall dimensions (P < 0.05). As meristic characteristics, kelp grouper have more number of anal fin rays than other fish, red spotted grouper have more number of dorsal soft rays than other fish, and seven spotted grouper have more number of anal soft rays, and caudal fin rays than other fish (P < 0.05). Photographed under the x-ray, kelp grouper have the most curved vertebral column and largest swim bladder than other fishes (P < 0.05). Our results of this study confirmed that 3 subfamily fishes adequately can distinguish with external body shape, and we hope that the results of our study could be used to identify in Serranidae family as taxonomical parameters.

INTRODUCTION

Research of reliable classification and discrimination of similar fish species require more accurately advanced information than previously studied results. Development, maturation and modification of body shape were influenced by a mixture of diversely environmental situation and genetic factors, but they are not fully restricted to environmental factors and hereditary characteristics, and those were create a variety of body shapes within a species (Straüss & Bond, 1990). Fish population have been sampled in order to distinguish and discriminate the body structure, biological body shape as well as living organ and to determine the morphological differentiation and variation for using morphometric and meristic of fish population (Straüss & Bookstein, 1982; Melvinet al., 1992; Park et al., 2001).

Morphometric analysis has been used to identify the uncertain hybrids, unidentified species, and modification of fish population (Straüss & Bookstein, 1982; Park et al., 2003, 2012; Turan et al., 2006). Morphometric network measurements showed that they are composed of a number of digitized landmark-based points and they executed useful tools for identifying the complex and similar stock identification (Barlow, 1961; Ihssen et al., 1981; Straüss & Bookstein,1982; Templeman, 1983). Digitized landmarks are a point of correspondence on an external organ that identically matches in fish populations (Barlow, 1961; Bookstein, 1991).

Classical dimensions have commonly been assessed in studies of the morphometric characteristics of fish bodies, and are focused on characteristics of the body length, depth, and width, (Straüss & Bond, 1990; Park et al., 2001, 2003, 2012). Truss network system was composed of interconnected distances between various digitized landmarks, which was constructed the anatomical network in body shape (Straüss& Bookstein, 1982). Pointed landmarks in classical, truss and head part dimension selected the representative feature of fish which help more understandable to the analysis of morphometric dimension.

Classical dimensions have commonly been assessed in studies of the morphometric characteristics of fish bodies, and are focused on characteristics of the body length, depth, and width, (Straüss & Bond, 1990; Park et al., 2001, 2003, 2012). Truss network system was composed of interconnected distances between various digitized landmarks, which was constructed the anatomical network in body shape (Straüss& Bookstein, 1982). Pointed landmarks in classical, truss and head part dimension selected the representative feature of fish which help more understandable to the analysis of morphometric dimension.

Groupers are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical waters from Southeast Asian countries, including Korea’s Jeju Island, China, and Southern parts of Japan (Brais, 1987; Fukuhara, 1989; Heemstra & Randall, 1993). The marine teleost fish groupers, protogynous hermaphrodite, are change their sex reversal from female to male and economically important species because of lucrative price, high market value, high consumer demand and desirable taste (Brais, 1987; Fukuhara, 1989; Li et al., 2004). In recent years, overfishing in Jeju coastal waters and mass mortality of Serranidae fishes from viral-based disease has led grouper resources to rapidly decreased. Low survival rate of juvenile groupers is needed to more research, in Korea, only a few fish farms are trying seven-banded grouper seeding production.

The kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus) a species of fish in order, Perciformes and the Family, Serranidae (Brais, 1987). Kelp grouper is a carnivorous and dark brown pattern fish that can be found in sub-tropical waters from shallow coastal regions (Parket al., 2008) and registered in vulnerable species, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Brais, 1987; Heemstra & Randall, 1993). Red spotted grouper is a reef fish and inhabited in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Southeast Asia, especially found in the China and Southern parts of Korea, which have early life history (Ukawa et al.,1966) and also registered in endangered species, IUCN (Brais, 1987; Heemstra & Randall, 1993). Seven-banded grouper inhabited in shallow waters around Japan, China and Korea and registered in attention necessity species, IUCN (Brais, 1987; Heemstra & Randall, 1993).

Previous researches on the Serranidae fishes have been conducted as followed; temperature effects in egg development and hatching of kelp grouper (Yang et al., 2007), development of microsatellite markers for the kelp grouper (Kang et al., 2013). Seven-banded grouper has been conducted as followed: reproductive biology of the seven-banded grouper (Kim et al., 1997), induced sex reveal of sevenbanded grouper (Song et al., 2005), induction of maturation and ovulation (Song et al., 2008).

Despite these research studied, not yet, industrialization of aquaculture and seeding production had been attempting to continue. Also, defining differences by morphological characters to compare family in fish has not been conducted. Therefore, our main objective of study is to define morphological characters of kelp grouper, red-spotted grouper and seven-banded grouper by using morphological analysis as well as x-ray for observing interior side of the groupers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Experimental fish

The kelp grouper, Epinephelus bruneus, red spotted grouper, E. akaara and seven-banded grouper, E. septemfasciatus were obtained from Future Aquaculture Research Center (FARS), National Fisheries & Development Institute (NFRDI) in Jeju Island, Korea. Fishes were quickly frozen and transported to aquaculture facility at the Fishery Genetics and Breeding Sciences Laboratory of the Korea Maritime and Ocean University in Busan, Korea.

In total, 50 specimens of each species were defrosted before to use for the morphometric and meristic analysis and performed in triplicate repetition, respectively. Prior to morphological measurements, Total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured to the nearest 0.1 g and 0.1 cm using electric balance (AX 200, Shimadzu Corp., Japan) and digital vernier calipers (CD-20 CP; Mitutoyo, Japan), respectively. The TL and BW of each species were 39.7±2.38 cm and 1,342±79.3 g in kelp grouper, 38.4±2.43 cm and 1,213±87.4 g in red spotted grouper, 36.6±3.03 cm and 1,157±81.7 g in seven-banded grouper, respectively. We used the camera for comparison of coloring among the 3 fishes, digital images of each species were taken by digital camera (Coolpix 4500, Nikon, Japan).

2. Landmark-based morphometric analysis

The kelp grouper, red spotted grouper and seven-banded grouper were measured by geometric morphometric methods of Bookstein (1991) and Park et al. (2001). The multivariately linear dimensions in pictures of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 were taken to the nearest 0.1 cm using digital vernier calipers (CD- 20CP; Mitytoyo, Kawasaki, Japan) for each species. To analyze the morphometric differentiation in classical dimension (CD), truss dimension (TD) and head part dimension (HD), in total (Table 1 and Fig. 1), 38 landmark distances and 24 coefficients were pointed and digitized; 6 distances and 8 coefficients in the CD, 21 and 11 in the TD, and 11 and 5 in the HD, respectively. The measured results of CD dimensions and TD dimensions were divided into distance of standard length 1×4 (SL). Following, horizontal and transversal CD landmarks complied with convergent morphotypes and distributed to 6 portion, 1×2: most anterior extension of the head (MAEH) to origin of dorsal fin base; 1×3: MAEH to origin of caudal fin base; 1×5: MAEH to origin of anal fin base; 1×6: MAEH to origin of ventral fin base; 1×7: MAEH to origin of pectoral fin base and 1×8: MAEH to operculum.

Table 1.

Dimensions of body shape for kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus)

Classical dimension
Standard length (SL)	1×4
Most anterior extension of the head – origin of dorsal fin base	1×2
Most anterior extension of the head – origin of above caudal fin base	1×3
Most anterior extension of the head – origin of anal fin base	1×5
Most anterior extension of the head – origin of ventral fin base	1×6
Most anterior extension of the head – origin of pectoral fin base	1×7
Most anterior extension of the head – posterior aspect of operculum	1×8
Truss dimension
Origin of dorsal fin base – insertion of dorsal fin base	1×2
Origin of dorsal fin base – origin of anal fin base	1×6
Origin of dorsal fin base – origin of ventral fin base	1×7
Origin of dorsal fin base – origin of pectoral fin base	1×9
Origin of dorsal fin base – posterior aspect of operculum	1×11
Insertion of dorsal fin base – origin of above caudal fin base	2×3
Insertion of dorsal fin base – origin of bottom caudal fin base	2×4
Insertion of dorsal fin base – insertion of anal fin base	2×5
Origin of above caudal fin base – origin of bottom caudal fin base	3×4
Origin of above caudal fin base – insertion of anal fin base	3×5
Origin of above caudal fin base – origin of anal fin base	3×6
Origin of bottom caudal fin base – insertion of anal fin base	4×5
Insertion of anal fin base – origin of anal fin base	5×6
Origin of anal fin base – origin of ventral fin base	6×7
Origin of anal fin base – origin of pectoral fin base	6×9
Origin of anal fin base – posterior aspect of operculum	6×11
Origin of ventral fin base – posterior aspect of operculum	7×8
Origin of ventral fin base – origin of pectoral fin base	7×9
Origin of ventral fin base – posterior aspect of operculum	7×11
Origin of pectoral fin base – insertion of pectoral fin base	9×10
Origin of pectoral fin base – posterior aspect of operculum	9×11
Head part dimension
Head length (HL)	1×4
Most anterior extension of the head – above of nostril	1×2
Most anterior extension of the head – above of eye	1×3
Most anterior extension of the head – snout	1×5
Above of nostril – above of eye	2×3
Above of nostril – posterior aspect of operculum	2×4
Above of nostril – snout	2×5
Above of eye – posterior aspect of operculum	3×4
Above of eye – snout	3×5
Posterior aspect of operculum – snout	4×5
Eye diameter
Interorbital width

Fig. 1

Morphometric measurements of classical dimension (a), truss dimension (b) and head part dimension (c) in kelp grouper, Epinephelus bruneus. Red lines: kelp grouper has greater distances more than the other Serranidae; White lines: 3 fishes were not found significantly correlated distances. Scale bars indicate 6 cm. Details of the measured distances of morphometric characteristics are described in Table 1.

Also following truss network TD landmarks distributed to 21 portion, 1×2: origin of dorsal fin base (ODFB) to insertion of dorsal fin base (IDFB); 1×6: ODFB to origin of anal fin base (OAFB); 1×7: ODFB to origin of ventral fin base (OVFB); 1×9: ODFB to origin of pectoral fin base (OPFB); 1×11: ODFB to posterior aspect of operculum (PAO); 2×3: insertion of dorsal fin base (IDFB) to origin of above caudal fin base (OACFB); 2×4: IDFB to origin of bottom caudal fin base (OBCFB); 2×5: IDFB to insertion of anal fin base (IAFB); 3×4: OACFB to OBCFB; 3×5: OACFB to IAFB; 3×6: OACFB to OAFB; 4×5: OBCFB to IAFB; 5×6: IAFB to OAFB; 6×7: OAFB to OVFB; 6×9: OAFB to OPFB; 6×11: OAFB to PAO; 7×8: OVFB to insertion of ventral fin base (IVFB); 7×9: OVFB to OPFB; 7×11: OVFB to PAO; 9×10: OPFB to PAO; and 9×11: OPFB to PAO.

The HD dimensions divided into distance of head length 1×4 (HL). Intensively closed to head parts, HD landmarks distributed to 11 portions, the measured results of HD landmarks were divided into distance of head length 1×4 (HL). 1×2: MAEH to above of nostril (AN); 1×3: MAEH to above of eye (AE); 1×5: MAEH to posterior aspect of snout (PAS); 2×3: AN to AE; 2×4: AN to posterior aspect of operculum (PAO); 2×5: AN to PAS; 3×4: AE to PAO; 3×5: AE to PAS; 4×5: PAO to PAS; eye diameter (ED) and interorbital width (IW).

3. Meristic counts

The kelp grouper, red spotted grouper and seven-banded grouper of meristic counts were compared and analyzed. To compare the meristic variations of counts for each species, in total, 8 fin rays dorsal fin spine (DFR1), anal fin spine (AFR1) and ventral fin spine (VFR1) and soft rays composed of dorsal soft ray (DFR2), anal soft ray (AFR2), caudal soft ray (CFR2), pectoral soft ray (PFR2), and ventral soft ray (VFR2) were counted, respectively.

4. X-ray photograph

For visualize the vertebrae, skeleton and swim bladder of whole fish by radiographic x-ray photographs (Bailey & Gosline, 1955; Chang & Magnuson, 1968), images were taken of the lateral view of overall body shape of 10 defrosted samples of each species, respectively, and images were made on a x-ray machine (Fire CR, 3 Disc Imaging, Korea).

As shown in Fig. 4, we described dotted line between straight line and highest one in abdominal vertebrae to measure the curvature degree of the vertebrae column. Measuring the extent of swim bladder was performed through the big dotted line and small dotted line, big dotted line displayed maximum width of swim bladder and small dotted line showed maximum height of swim bladder. The measured results of dotted line and arrow divided into distance of standard length 1×4 (SL).

Fig. 4

X-ray image of skeleton in kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus) (a), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) (b) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus) (c). SW: swim bladder; Big dotted arrow: maximum width; Small dotted arrow: maximum height; Arrow point: highest one in abdominal vertebrae; Dotted line: the distance between straight line and highest one in abdominal vertebrae. Note: Euphemistic line means curved shape of vertebrae column and straight line means distance at the start and end of the vertebral column. Scale bars indicate 6 cm.

5. Statistical analysis

The study was performed in triplicate, and the results are reported as means ± SD (n=150), unless otherwise stated. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the SPSS statistical package (SPSS 9.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The means were compared with Duncan’s multiple range test, and were considered significantly different at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

1. Landmark-based morphometric traits

Body coloration of kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus) composed of typically purplish brown color and designed 6 dark brown pattern but pattern shape were not constant, red spotted grouper (E. akaara) had generally reddishbrown color often with many white spots, and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus) had grayish brown body color and composed of 7 dark brown pattern. As age increased, kelp grouper and seven banded grouper fainted off the pattern of bands, eventually disappeared (Figs. 1, 2 and 3).

Fig. 2

Morphometric measurements of classical dimension (a), truss dimension (b) and head part dimension (c) in red spotted grouper, E. akaara. Green lines: red spotted grouper has greater distances more than the other Serranidae; White lines: 3 fishes were not found significantly correlated distances. Scale bars indicate 6 cm. Details of the measured distances of morphometric characteristics are described in Table 1.

Fig. 3

Morphometric measurements of classical dimension (a), truss dimension (b) and head part dimension (c) in seven-banded grouper, E. septemfasciatus. Blue lines: seven-banded grouper has greater distances more than the other Serranidae; White lines: 3 fishes were not found significantly correlated distances. Scale bars indicate 6 cm. Details of the measured distances of morphometric characteristics are described in Table 1.

Multivariate morphometric analysis was performed on external body shape, 38 various morphometric distances and 24 coefficients of Serranidae are given in Table 1, and Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Comparison distances of classical dimensions (CD) were landmark pointed fin rays and operculum (Figs. 1a, 2a and 3a), distances transversally divided into 6 morphometric measurements (Table 2). Also, CD dimensions and TD dimensions were divided into distance of standard length 1×4 (SL). Table 2 shows morphometric formula (dimensions/SL), all measurements were not found significantly correlated (P > 0.05). Results of CD cluster analysis showed that 3 fishes were undiscovered differences (Table 2 and Figs 1a, 2a and 3a.).

Table 2.

Classical dimension results of kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus)*

Morphometric measurements	E. bruneus (%)	E. akaara (%)	E. septemfasciatus (%)
1×2/SL	38.5±2.14a	41.0±2.44a	40.9±1.98a
1×3/SL	99.8±2.46a	99.1±2.65a	97.8±3.66a
1×5/SL	70.8±1.96a	68.9±4.83a	69.6±3.65a
1×6/SL	38.8±2.58a	39.7±2.15a	39.3±2.84a
1×7/SL	35.6±2.47a	36.2±0.98a	36.4±2.39a
1×8/SL	31.5±2.12a	39.7±2.14b	33.2±2.48a

For abbreviations and each dimension, see Table 1 and Figs. 1a, 2a and 3a. The values are means ± SD (n=150) of triplicate groups. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA on data transformed to the arcsine of the square root. Different capital letters on the values indicate statistical significance among morphometric distances (P < 0.05). Different small letters on the values indicate statistical significance among ratios of morphometric dimension/ standard length (SL) (P < 0.05). Different small letters on ‘a’ means the smallest value, ‘b’ means larger than ‘a’ value and ‘c’ means the largest value among 3 species data.

The truss dimension described external fish body and various point digitized (Figs. 1b, 2b and 3b), distances divided into 21 morphometric measurements (Table 3). As shown in Table 3 morphometric formula (dimensions/SL), comparison of fin ray distance; kelp grouper has the greatest value in 3×4 and seven-banded grouper has the greatest value in 5×6 (P < 0.05). The remaining measurements, 1×2, 7×8 and 9×10 were not significantly correlated (P > 0.05). On the basis of origin of dorsal fin base (ODFB), kelp grouper has smaller values than the others in 1×6 and 1×7, seven-banded grouper has the greatest value in 1×9 and red spotted grouper has smallest values in 1×11 (P < 0.05).

Table 3.

Truss dimension results of kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus)*

Morphometric measurements	E. bruneus (%)	E. akaara (%)	E. septemfasciatus (%)
1×2/SL	54.0±2.54a	55.5±3.11a	55.3±2.91a
1×6/SL	44.7±1.64a	48.3±3.64b	47.7±2.13b
1×7/SL	28.9±1.31a	34.6±1.62b	33.8±1.86b
1×9/SL	21.6±1.02a	22.1±1.37a	24.6±1.25b
1×11/SL	12.8±1.89b	9.7±1.84a	13.6±1.60b
2×3/SL	9.6±1.70a	9.2±1.90a	12.5±1.03b
2×4/SL	17.5±1.62b	14.3±1.67a	14.0±2.47a
2×5/SL	16.1±1.46b	12.0±1.39a	11.4±2.24a
3×4/SL	15.9±1.35b	12.9±1.14a	11.9±1.38a
3×5/SL	18.8±0.92b	14.5±2.03a	14.6±2.84a
3×6/SL	35.1±2.10a	36.5±1.13a	36.7±2.89a
4×5/SL	18.1±1.53b	14.9±1.76a	14.4±1.41a
5×6/SL	16.8±1.14a	16.1±1.10a	20.8±1.15b
6×7/SL	30.2±2.72a	30.3±1.88a	31.3±2.93a
6×9/SL	37.3±2.37b	36.4±2.66b	33.5±1.75a
6×11/SL	37.6±2.17b	38.6±2.23b	34.2±1.58a
7×8/SL	9.2±1.40a	9.5±1.89a	10.7±1.39a
7×9/SL	10.5±1.37a	14.1±1.14b	11.6±1.26a
7×11/SL	19.5±1.58b	23.8±1.71c	15.7±1.80a
9×10/SL	6.3±0.68a	6.6±1.55a	6.4±0.53a
9×11/SL	11.9±1.08b	12.7±1.29b	6.8±1.50a

For abbreviations and each dimension, see Table 1 and Figs. 1b, 2b and 3b. The values are means ± SD (n=150) of triplicate groups. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA on data transformed to the arcsine of the square root. Different capital letters on the values indicate statistical significance among morphometric distances (P < 0.05). Different small letters on the values indicate statistical significance among ratios of morphometric dimension/standard length (SL) (P < 0.05). Different small letters on ‘a’ means the smallest value, ‘b’ means larger than ‘a’ value and ‘c’ means the largest value among 3 species data.

On the basis of insertion of dorsal fin base (IDFB), seven-banded grouper has the greatest value in 2×3 and kelp grouper has greatest values in 2×4 and 2×5 (P < 0.05). On the basis of origin of above caudal fin base (OACFB), kelp grouper has greatest values in 3×5 (P < 0.05) and 3×6 was not significantly correlated in group (P > 0.05). On the basis of origin of bottom caudal fin base (OBCFB), kelp grouper has greatest values in 4×5 (P < 0.05). On the basis of origin of anal fin base (OAFB), red spotted grouper has the smallest values in 6×9 and 6×11, and 6×7 have not significantly correlated in group (P > 0.05). On the basis of origin of ventral fin base (OVFB), red spotted grouper has greatest values in 7X9 and seven banded grouper has the smallest values in 7X11 (P < 0.05).

Origin of pectoral fin base (OPFB) to posterior aspect of operculum (PAO): 9X11, seven banded grouper has the smallest value in group (P < 0.05). Results of TD cluster analysis showed that kelp grouper has 4 dimension greater values, red spotted grouper has 7 dimension greater values and seven-banded grouper has 11 dimension greater values in TD (Table 2, and Figs. 1b, 2b and 3b).

Head part dimension is intensively described the head of fish (Figs. 1c, 2c and 3c), distances divided into 11 morphometric measurements (Table 4). Table 4 shows morphometric formula (dimensions/HL), on the basis of most anterior extension of the head (MAEH), red spotted grouper has the smallest values in 1×2, 1×3 and 1×5 (P < 0.05). On the basis of above of nostril (AN), red spotted grouper has the smallest values in 2×3 and 2×4. On the basis of above of eye (AE), 3×4 and 3×5 have not found significantly correlated in group (P > 0.05). Posterior aspect of operculum (PAO) to posterior aspect of snout (PAS): 4×5, sevenbanded grouper has the smallest value in group (P < 0.05).

Table 4.

Head part dimension results of kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus)*

Morphometric measurements	E. bruneus (%)	E. akaara (%)	E. septemfasciatus (%)
1×2/HL	28.3±4.27b	23.6±2.60a	26.9±3.16b
1×3/HL	38.2±2.52b	33.7±3.23a	42.5±3.26c
1×5/HL	40.8±1.92c	34.1±2.64a	37.0±2.77b
2×3/HL	17.7±3.54b	12.5±2.03a	16.9±2.79b
2×4/HL	78.3±2.82b	74.4±3.27a	79.5±2.58b
2×5/HL	26.4±3.17a	27.6±3.02a	27.4±2.91a
3×4/HL	66.7±2.58a	67.6±1.52a	70.1±2.78b
3×5/HL	37.8±2.19b	31.7±3.41a	38.2±3.50b
4×5/HL	82.3±2.93b	80.2±4.42b	75.3±2.49a
Eye diameter	1.45±0.14a	1.58±0.34a	1.42±0.21a
Interorbital width	2.41±0.31b	1.98±0.21a	2.36±0.25b

For abbreviations and each dimension, see Table 1 and Figs. 1c, 2c and 3c. The values are means ± SD (n=150) of triplicate groups. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA on data transformed to the arcsine of the square root. Different capital letters on the values indicate statistical significance among morphometric distances (P < 0.05). Different small letters on the values indicate statistical significance among ratios of morphometric dimension/ standard length (SL) (P < 0.05). Different small letters on ‘a’ means the smallest value, ‘b’ means larger than ‘a’ value and ‘c’ means the largest value among 3 species data.

Followed by, eye diameter (ED) has not found significantly correlated in group (P > 0.05) and interorbital width (IW), red spotted grouper has the smallest value in group (P < 0.05). Results of HD cluster analysis showed that kelp grouper has 7 dimensions greater values, red spotted grouper has 1 dimension greater value and seven-banded grouper has 7 dimensions greater values in HD (Table 2 and Figs. 1c, 2c and 3c).

2. Meristic characteristics

As shown in Table 5, the meristic counts of DFR1, PFR1, VFR1 and VFR2 were not found significant differences in individual each fin ray (DFR1, kelp grouper= 10.5±0.66a, red spotted grouper= 10.3±0.17a, seven-banded grouper= 11.2±0.53a; PFR1, kelp grouper= 16.5±0.27a, red spotted grouper= 17.3±0.43a, seven-banded grouper= 17.2±0.34b; VFR1, kelp grouper= 1.6±0.27a, red spotted grouper= 1.3±0.13a, seven-banded grouper= 2.4±0.12a; VFR2, kelp grouper= 4.4±0.31a, red spotted grouper= 5.3±0.41a, sevenbanded grouper= 4.9±0.46a) (P > 0.05).

Table 5.

Meristic characteristics of kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and sevenbanded grouper (E. septemfasciatus)*

Meristic characterictics		E . bruneus	E. akaara	E. septemfasciatus
Fin rays
Dorsal	Spinous rays	10.5±0.66a (IX~XII)	10.3±0.17a (X~XI)	11.2±0.53a (X~XII)
	Soft rays	13.5±0.21a (13~14)	15.4±0.37b (15~16)	14.8±0.54b (14~16)
Anal	Spinous rays	3.4±0.19b (III~IV)	2.7±0.17a (II~III)	2.4±0.12a (II~III)
	Soft rays	9.3±0.27b (9~10)	7.1±0.36a (6~7)	9.5±0.35b (9~10)
Caudal	Soft rays	1 6 .7 ±0.18b (16~17)	15.2±0.51a (14~15)	17.2±0.34b (16~18)
Pectoral	Soft rays	1 6 .5 ±0.27a (16~17)	17.3±0.43a (16~18)	17.2±0.29a (16~18)
Ventral	Spinous rays	1.6±0.27a (I~II)	1.3±0.13a (I~II)	2.4±0.12a (I~II)
	Soft rays	4.4±0.31a (4~5)	5.3±0.41a (4~5)	4.9±0.46a (4~5)
Vertebrae		24.7±0.27a (24~25)	24.3±0.11a (24~25)	24.5±0.35a (24~25)

The values are means ± SD (n=150) of triplicate groups. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA on data transformed to the arcsine of the square root. Different capital letters on the values indicate statistical significance among meristic characteristics (P < 0.05). Refer to the Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Different small letters on ‘a’ means the smallest value, ‘b’ means larger than ‘a’ value and ‘c’ means the largest value among 3 species data.

Significant differences of fin rays found in DFR2, AFR1, AFR2 and CFR2 (DFR2, kelp grouper= 13.5±0.21a, red spotted grouper= 15.4±0.37b, seven-banded grouper= 14.8±0.54b; AFR1, kelp grouper= 3.4±0.19b, red spotted grouper= 2.7±0.17a, seven-banded grouper= 2.4±0.12a; AFR2, kelp grouper= 9.3±0.27b, red spotted grouper= 7.1±0.36a, sevenbanded grouper= 9.5±0.35b; CFR2, kelp grouper= 16.7±0.18b, red spotted grouper= 15.2±0.51a, seven-banded grouper= 17.2±0.34b) (P < 0.05).

Results of different meristic characteristics were showed that kelp grouper had more AFR1, AFR2, red spotted grouper had more DFR2, and seven banded grouper had more DFR2, AFR2 and CFR2.

3. X-ray photograph

Comparison of swim bladder extent was showed that kelp grouper was 25.2±1.78c, red spotted grouper was 17.7±1.41b, and seven banded grouper was 13.2± 2.15a (P < 0.05). Measured results of maximum height and width, and dotted line were divided into distance of standard length 1×4 (SL).

Maximum height was measured that kelp grouper was 10.7±0.85b, red spotted grouper was 7.3±0.93a, and seven banded grouper was 6.6±1.19a (P < 0.05). Followed by, maximum width was measured that kelp grouper was 15.6±1.25a, red spotted grouper was 15.2±1.31a, and seven banded grouper was 15.5±1.28a (P < 0.05).

Dotted line distances of vertebral column was displayed that kelp grouper was 8.2±0.81b, red spotted grouper was 5.5±1.17a, and seven banded grouper was 5.2±0.94a (P < 0.05). Vertebrae counts were not found significantly correlated; all samples have 24~25 vertebrae, respectively (P > 0.05).

Unlike the external form, X-ray photograph detailedly showed skull, maxilla, mandibula, supraorbital and etc. Red spotted grouper has the sharpest skull and kelp grouper has the biggest supraorbital, thus red spotted grouper and seven-banded grouper has similar skeleton structure.

DISCUSSION

Genetically determined the morphometric analysis and meristic characteristics were evidence to identify the stock identification (Ihssen et al., 1981; Park et al., 2003). However, various situation made different body shape, high plasticity and mutated organ (Barlow, 1961; Lindsey, 1988). Morphological variation was classified by the modified and changed body structure which composed of linear and landmark-based morphometric methods and counting of meristic variations (Bookstein, 1991; Melvin et al., 1992; Hurlbut & Clay, 1998; Nakamura, 2003; Turan et al., 2006). Morphological analysis is analogize the starvation and satiety situation, and determine the nutritive conditions. Truss dimension is anatomically divided into body shape (Straüss & Bookstein, 1982; Bookstein, 1991) and considered as useful tools with more complicated and sophisticated descriptions of external structure and body shape. The truss dimensions are the primary units of classification for the identifying the modification of body shape (Straüss &Bond, 1990).

Results of classical dimension shows horizontal distances, 3 fishes were not significantly correlated (P > 0.05), it means epinephelus fishes had long standard length (Fukuhara, 1989) and truss dimension shows anatomically distances, and randomly measured, rearward of kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), have larger than other fishes, red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus) have larger body width and body depth than kelp grouper.

These 3 species have a same fusiform appearance, but different external environment and feeding habits attributed to make a dissimilarly morphometric body shape (Saima & Onkar, 2015). Head part dimension distinctly represented differences in 3 samples, red spotted grouper had different maxillary and mandible because of the sharpest skull, therefore dissimilar head size derived from different feeding habit and inhabitation (Fukuhara, 1989; Nakamura, 2003; Saima & Onkar, 2015).

Meristic variables are demonstrated the stock identification and considered as taxonomic status (Ihssen et al., 1981). Number of fin rays contributed to the velocity of water flow and it possible operate the sensory organ that detects water flow, water pressure and vibration, and the more developed the lateral line, the more advantageous it becomes for the detection of prey (Videler, 1993). Dorsal fin ray and caudal fin ray accelerate swimming velocity, and anal fin ray and pectoral fin ray adjust the balance during swimming (Iosilevskii & Weihs, 2008). Red spotted grouper and seven-banded grouper has more dorsal soft rays, it considered that seven-banded grouper more carnivorous fish and fast swimming (Iosilevskii & Weihs, 2008).

The diversely classified the stock identification, above all determining the vertebrae and swim bladder was regarded as efficient method among populations of fishes (Ford, 1937; Bailey & Gosline, 1955; Chang & Magnuson, 1968; Grandadeiro & Silva, 2000). Results of total number of vertebrae were not found significant difference, 3 species have similar vertebrae (24~25), however difference of curved vertebral column was observed by dotted line/SL. Most curved vertebral column caused different size of swim bladder, it attributed to make the different velocity of water flow (Denton & Marshall, 1958).

Different size of swim bladder influenced to the feeding habit, inhabitation and swimming velocity. Kelp grouper had a big volume of the swim bladder, thus it has a slower swimming velocity than other fish and less carnivorous fish and seven banded grouper has the fastest swim speed (Denton & Marshall, 1958). Composition of dentary and anguloarticular attributed to feeding habit, kelp grouper has relatively less developed mandible, therefore kelp grouper eats tiny fish and cuttlefish (Brais, 1987).

Even though we studied Serranidae fishes are adequately distinguished from external color, there were some important information concerning overall body structure and internal organ. So far studied morphological classification is univariately investigated and simple decomposition of shape. Multivariate comparison, geometric truss dimension and sophisticated delineation methods were induced. Through many studies and research, we need for reliable research in morphological study and expected to various applications appearance.

Table 6.

Measurements of x-ray photographed swim bladder and curved vertebral column of (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus)*

X-ray parts	Measurements	E. bruneus	E. akaara	E. septemfasciatus
Swim bladder	Extent (cm2)	25.2±1.78c	17.7±1.41b	13.2±2.15a
	Maximum height/SL (%)	10.7±0.85b	7.3±0.93a	6.6±1.19a
	Maximum width/SL (%)	15.6±1.25a	15.2±1.31a	15.5±1.28a
Vertebral column	Dotted line/SL (%)	8.2±0.81b	5.5±1.17a	5.2±0.94a

The values are means ± SD (n=30) of triplicate groups. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA on data transformed to the arcsine of the square root. Different capital letters on the values indicate statistical significance among meristic characteristics (P < 0.05). Refer to the Figs. 4. Different small letters on ‘a’ means the smallest value, ‘b’ means larger than ‘a’ value and ‘c’ means the largest value among 3 species data.