Position of the generalized form in the phenetic diversity structure of large African barbs (Barbus intermedius complex): Method of correlation pleiades

Abstract

With consideration of comparative analysis of variation of craniological characters of the generalized form and of specialized morphotypes of the African barb Barbus intermedius complex from three Ethiopian rivers (the Gumara, Angereb, and Genale), it is shown that samples of generalized individuals from different water bodies differ not less and sometime more than samples of specialized morphotypes belonging to one or different flocks of forms. Analysis of correlations divides the considered characters into two pleiades. Analysis of variation of reference samples of the B. intermedius complex demonstrates that diversification of known morphotypes proceeds in both pleiades.