MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF GREEN MUSSELS (Perna viridis) CULTURED AT DIFFERENT WATER DEPTHS IN THE SOUTH EAST COAST OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Perna viridis is a bivalve native to the Asia-Pacific region including the coastal waters of Bangladesh. The analysis of the morphometric variations of P. viridis (Green Mussels) through the truss network method and body shape morphometrics is urgently needed. This research holds crucial importance for economic benefit and food security, given its substantial commercial value and potential for cultivation in tropical countries. Additionally, there's a lack of information concerning its morphometric variations among populations from distinct locations. A total of 450 samples were taken at three different depths (1.5 feet, 3 feet, and 4.5 feet) from the three culture sites of Khuruskul, Chowfaldandi, and Moheshkhali. A total of 150 samples were taken from each location, with 50 samples each at 1.5 feet, 3 feet, and 4.5 feet in depth. A truss network was generated with 24 distance variables using digital images of the components and 15 morphometric factors using the SigmaScan Pro software platform. The truss measurements were transformed before being subjected to factor analysis and a cross validation discriminant analysis. Factor analysis revealed a statistically significant difference among ten of fourteen morphometric lengths and twenty of twenty-four truss network measurements for P. viridis at the 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001 levels of significance. The factor analysis showed that the P. viridis population in these three areas varies significantly in terms of its morphology. The principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that the morphometric differences were most significant in Khuruskul and Moheshkhali than in Chowfaldondi. The morphometric differences were higher in 1.5ft water depth than 3ft and 4.5ft water depths in each location. To ensure long-term viability of P. viridis, it is essential to consider these morphological characteristics when making decisions about management strategies, conservation efforts, and extensive seed production. Different physical and biological conditions might occur in the estuaries and the Bay of Bengal, which could help to explain the reason behind such discrimination among various stocks.