Identification of Subspecies of European Anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (Engraulidae) in the Wintering Aggregations Based on Morphological Parameters of Otoliths

Abstract—A new method of identification of the Sea of Azov and Black Sea subspecies of European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in mixed wintering aggregations is suggested based on discriminant analysis using a morphological parameter, the angle of the central groove of the otolith. This angle differs significantly in the subspecies, ranging between 92° and 148° and between 55° and 95° in the Azov and Black Sea subspecies, respectively. In the Azov anchovy, the difference between the eastern and western populations in the angle of the central groove is not registered. The classification equations obtained in the study can be used for subsequent assessment of the ratio between the abundances of each subspecies in mixed aggregations of European anchovy in the inshore zone of Crimea.