Describing the body shape variation of spotted barb, Puntius binotatus (Valenciennes 1842) using fluctuating asymmetry from Tubay, Agusan del Norte, Philippines

摘要

This study aims to assess the condition of the water ecosystem in Tubay, Agusan del Norte by showing the level of FA on the bilateral symmetry of Puntius binotatus with respect to its sex that is known to be abundant in the area. This will show the status of P. binotatus in Tubay, Agusan del Norte that is known for having a mining activity in the area. Yet, there were no reports in the area that concerns with the developmental instability of P. binotatus and other fish inhabiting in the area using FA. Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA) defined as a subtle random deviation between the left and right side of symmetrically bilateral organisms that measures the inability of organisms to maintain homeostasis or measures the developmental instability of organisms. A total of 200 individuals (100 male and 100 females) were subjected to FA Analysis. Landmark analyses were obtained using Thin - plate Spline (TPS) series with 16 landmarks generated for each sample and loaded into Symmetry and Asymmetry in Geometric Data (SAGE) software. Procrustes ANOVA shows that individual symmetry has no significant difference. Sides and Interaction showed a high significantly difference (P less than 0.0001) which suggest being asymmetrical in the bilateral symmetry of P. binotatus population. The result of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows a level of asymmetry with 77% in female and 73% in the male. FA in female fish can be seen in snout tip, anterior and posterior insertion of the dorsal fin, midpoint, or lateral line, dorsal base of pelvic fin, and dorsal base of pectoral fin. In male samples, affected landmarks can be seen in the anterior and posterior insertion of the dorsal fin, dorsal insertion of caudal fin and dorsal base of the pelvic fin. The level of FA specifies a good indicator of stressors in the environment that causes a decline in reproduction and population.