Short communication, Note
https://doi.org/10.2478/cjf-2018-0010
THE EFFECTS OF TWO DIFFERENT PRESERVATION METHODS ON MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ALIEN CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque, 1818) IN EUROPEAN FRESHWATER
Phillip J. Haubrock
; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy
Paride Balzani
; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy
Iva Johović
; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy
Alberto Francesco Inghilesi
; NEMO, Nature and Environment Management Operators s.r.l., Piazza M. D’Azeglio 11, 50121 Florence, Italy
Elena Tricarico
; Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy
Abstract
Different methods used to store specimens, even for short periods, can notably affect morphometric characteristics such as colour, length and shape. As a consequence, in the case of samples that have to be analysed morphometrically, the right reservation method is crucial. In this study, two comparably easy applicable methods, the effects of freezing and moderate cool storage on morphological traits, were studied on specimens of the scaleless North American channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, an alien species to European freshwaters of increasing concern. Results revealedthat freezing, like preservation with alcohol or formalin, affected the generally considered characteristics (colour, standard length, fork length, total length, shape), while cool storage was shown to preserve most traits without notable alteration, an important difference when studying potentially adapting alien species. Implications are discussed.
Keywords
fish morphology; freezing; cooling; colour; alteration
Hrčak ID:
200956
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2018.
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