Morphometric variation of the Ikan Empurau ( Tor tambroides) from Sarawak and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Tor tambroides is one of the precious native freshwater species in Malaysia and is known for its luscious taste. However, its wild population has dwindled due to anthropogenic disturbances. These environmental changes may lead to variable morphological features over time. Thus, morphological features with conventional and truss network measurements are essential to apply and support fish species documentation. A total of 39 fish specimens were randomly collected from Sarawak and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM). The appearance of the fish was macroscopically observed and then photographed for further morphometric assessment by conventional and truss network measurements using Digimizer Software Version 5.3. Data were subjected to discriminant function (DF) analyses and Kruskal-Wallis H Test. Significant differences were observed in 18 of 19 morphological measurements, and all 12 truss network measurements among the specimens. Both morphometric measurements showed two DF analyses where the DF1 is 93.1% and 6.9% in DF2 among group variability. The DF plotting proves that measurements were significantly different among regions. The specimens from Sarawak have a broader head depth, whereas those from ECPM have an aerodynamic body size. According to statistical analysis, the morphometric features of Sarawak and the ECPM are significantly different due to geographical separation and different environments. These morphometric data could provide a supporting strategy for further conservation and fisheries management.