Stock discrimination of two insular populations of Diplodus annularis (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Sparidae) along the coast of Tunisia by analysis of otolith shape

Research on the annular seabream (Diplodus annularis) in Tunisia reveals distinct stock structures between populations from Djerba and Kerkennah islands, as evidenced by significant differences in otolith shape asymmetry. The study analyzed 120 specimens using Fourier coefficients to assess left-right otolith variability, finding that while males and females from Kerkennah displayed symmetry, Djerba's male population exhibited asymmetry, indicating potential sexual dimorphism unique to this site. These findings suggest the two populations belong to separate stocks, a critical insight for fisheries management. The study highlights the need for further research to determine whether these morphological differences stem from environmental factors or genetic variations.

Trojette, M. (2015). Stock discrimination of two insular populations of Diplodus annularis (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Sparidae) along the coast of Tunisia by analysis of otolith shape. Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria, 45(4), 363–372. https://doi.org/10.3750/aip2015.45.4.04