Delineation of Bobo croaker-Pseudotolithus elongatus (Bowdich, 1825) populations from Borokiri, Rivers State, and Escravos, Delta State, in Nigeria

Pseudotolithus elongatus is a fish species of considerable economic importance, inhabiting Nigeria's coastal regions and of substantial value to local fisheries. Interestingly, this species' stock structure and management strategies are still limited. Hence, this paper aims to delineate Bobo croaker-Pseudotolithus elongatus (Bowdich, 1825) populations from fish landing locations in Escravos, Delta State, and Borokiri, Rivers State, in Nigeria, utilizing geometric morphometrics. The results showed that the two populations exhibited variations mainly in the head region and body depth, and were morphologically heterogeneous. The overall correct classification percentage for the P. elongatus was 89.8% in this study, with the snout length, head length, and body depth being the most important delineating morphometric traits. In general, this study demonstrates the capacity of geometric morphometrics for delineating geographically distinct populations of P. elongatus in Nigeria. Moreover, the findings present evidence suggesting the existence of potential variations between the two populations, probably influenced by biological or environmental factors, and these distinctions could have significance in managing and conserving the species. This study is the first report using geometric morphometrics on species of P. elongatus found in Nigerian waters.