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List of Publications by Department for the Academic Year Impact of environmental conditions on allometric and morphometric traits of fish in Jiyeh, Lebanon: A multivariate analysis

Abstract

Allometric scaling and morphometry are crucial indicators of ecological importance because each provides information on the capacity of habitats to support healthy survival functions. Length-weight relationships (LWRs) for eleven species caught at various depths (5 to 10 m for littoral catches and up to 30 m offshore) in the marine area of Jiyeh, Lebanon, were estimated, and morphometric dimensions were considered as trait ratios. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed the interactive influence of local parameters and depth range on morphology and growth models. Depth appeared not to affect the growth model, but a significant difference in the b-value was observed for species in deeper waters, suggesting better conditions. Adaptive acclimation seemed more pronounced in the morphology of littoral species. The impact of chemical stressors was evident in native species, while changes in morphometry in migrating species appeared to depend on physical stress variables. These findings indicate that habitat may partly influence morphology and survival functions within the ecosystem. It is clear that future remediation efforts should aim to promote a normal growth pattern in both allometric and morphometric contexts.

Journal/Conference Information

Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research,DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejar.2025.08.002, ISSN: Online ISSN: 2090-3278Print ISSN: 1687-4285, Volume: 51, Issue: -, Pages Range: 1-9,