Phenotypic and biological variations between the sexes of pike perch, Sander lucioperca (Teleostei, Percidae): Emphasizing sexual dimorphism

Authors

1 Environmental, Ecological and Agro-Industrial Engineering Laboratory, Sciences and Techniques Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, 23020 Beni Mellal, Morocco

2 International Expert in aquaculture, 23020 Beni Mellal, Morocco

10.22092/ijfs.2025.133957

Abstract

To phenotypically and biologically characterize the population of pike perch Sander lucioperca and to detect any potential variability between sexes, this study focused on analyzing sexual dimorphism and morphological differences based on morphometric and meristic characters, along with examining the length-weight relationships and condition factor. The growth type reveals positive allometry in both sexes. The Fulton’s condition factor (KF) value exceeded 1 for both males and females, suggesting that the fish were in good conditions. No sexual dimorphism was found in the meristic characters of either sex. However, morphometric characteristics show that male individuals are distinguished by deeper bodies and extended pectoral and pelvic fins in comparison to females. The results of this study highlight six morphological differences between male and female Sander lucioperca, showing pronounced sexual dimorphism. These findings play a crucial role in the successful management and preservation of this species' population in Morocco, particularly in the Al Massira Dam Lake.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences
Volume 24, Issue 4
July 2025
Pages 781-793

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