Taxonomic analysis of the subspecies of Merluccius gayi (Teleostomi, Gadiformes)

Abstract

Taxonomic analysis of the subspecies of Merluccius gayi (Teleostomi, Gadiformes)?

Samples of Merluccius gayi from Chile and Peru arc compared in order to analyse the validity of Ginsburg's subspecific proposition; the study of the trends of geographic variation related to temperature is included. The percentages of intergradation and the coefficients of difference obtained are not sufficient to secure subspecific identification beyond the 60% of the specimens from two samples. There is a general trend for characters such as these to vary clinally over the geographic range of the species. These changes are related to a diminution of the temperature of the bottom.