UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Morphometric analyses of Indo- Pacific Tarpons, Megalops cyprinoides collected randomly from freshwater, brackish water and saltwater habitats were conducted using Truss network measurement to evaluate the variations in morphometry with salinity. The relationship between the length and weight and condition factor of the fish from three different salinity habitats were observed to analyze the growth pattern and living conditions of the fish. The results of the present study indicated that the M.cyprinoides from three salinity habitats varied in their shape and structure. The statistical analysis of length and weight relation specified a significant value of b less than 3. This demonstrated a negative allometric growth pattern in the fish at all salinities. The values of regression coefficient were near to 1 and the relative condition factor of the fish specified a good living environment for the fish growth. This study serves as a baseline for future research on the impact of salinity gradients on fish physiology and evolution in estuarine and coastal ecosystem. By employing truss network measurements, length-weight relationships, and condition factor assessments, the study offers valuable insights into the adaptive variations and health status of fish in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater ecosystems. The findings contribute to ecological and fisheries research by highlighting the effects of habitat salinity on fish development and condition, which can inform conservation and management strategies.