Analysis of body and beak shape variation in Illex argentinus from coastal waters off northern Patagonia by geometric morphometrics

CRESPI ABRIL, CÉSAR A.; MORSÁN, ENRIQUE M.; BARÓN, PEDRO J.

JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS

Lugar: Cambridge; Año: 2009 vol. 90 p. 547 - 553

0025-3154

In this paper we analysed size and shape differences of body (mantle and fins) and inferior beak of the squid Illex argentinusIllex argentinus from two Patagonian inner-shelf spawning groups. A new method was developed to reconstruct three-dimensional coordinates based on the 2-D projection of the beak on a plane. Shape of the beak did not vary between groups, sexes and maturity condition of individuals. Also, no beak shape changes were observed through the ontogeny. In contrast, as larger and heavier squids were considered in shape analysis, body widened near the fin insertion, and fin area increased. Our results suggest that shape adaptations of I. argentinus through the ontogeny reflect modifications to optimize swimming performance rather than to increase gamete holding capacity. to increase gamete holding capacity. to increase gamete holding capacity. I. argentinus through the ontogeny reflect modifications to optimize swimming performance rather than to increase gamete holding capacity.