Sexual dimorphism comparison of body shape of Esmaeilius sophiae using geometric morphometric method

In the present study, the sexual dimorphism of Esmaeilius sophiae inhabiting the Cheshme-Ali Damghan (Dashte-Kavir basin) and Shoor River (Namak lake basin) was conducted using landmarks-based geometric morphometric technique. A total of 86 specimens were collected from Cheshme-Ali Damghan (52 specimens) and Shoor River (34 specimens). From the left side of the fresh samples were photographed using a digital camera, then 15 landmark-points placed on the 2D images using TpsDig2 software. The obtained data from the body shape after Generalized Procrustes analysis were analyzed using multivariate analysis including discriminant function analysis using P-value obtained from T-test Hoteling. The observed differences were related to the position of the mouth and pectoral fin and the length of the caudal peduncle. The results showed significant differences between the body shape of the males (p < /em><0.05).The results suggest change in habitat place to reduce food competition as a cause of sexual dimorphism in this species. Comparison of the males and females of both populations (between population) revealed that those of Cheshme-Ali Damghan have deeper body that provide advantage for their swimming.