Finding out and establishing how to separate Merluccius Capensis and Merluccius Paradoxus practically and reliably

Abstract

Abstract by author:

This research study intends to answer the question or a problem that is existent in some of the fishing companies on how to separate their hake catches, as it is believed to contain two species that should at time be marketed separately. Two samples of a hake catch were studied for this research project. The two samples were studied for some characteristics that include the following: head length, eye size, vertebral count and some external features. These features and characteristics together with some others in the report were to serve as determinant factors in answering the question of the research study. Differences in these characteristics were tested with a statistical test (t-test at P= 0. 05) to determine if they are significant. Significant differences were detected in these characteristics. Combined together, these significant differences were used as basis to decide which fish sample was M. capensis and which was M. paradoxus. External features of these separated samples were then scrutinized to determine if there are any that can be used for a practical and reliable separation of the two species. The outcome of these activities gave rise to a conclusion that there are external physical features that can be used to separate them