Morphometric comparison between Mediterranean and Atlantic populations of Pontophilus norvegicus (Decapoda, Crangonidae)

A multivariate comparison of morphometric differences was undertaken on pop ulations of Pontophilus norvegicus from four Atlantic and one Mediterranean locations. Multiple discriminant analysis revealed clear morphometric diff erences between Atlantic and Mediterranean populations, with the Atlantic p opulations exhibiting a low degree of separation. The underlying variables responsible for this discrimination are shown not to have any operational t axonomic utility and, hence, no sub-specific status is attached to the resp ective populations.