Comparative Morphometry of the Species Schizothorax eurystomus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) Distributed in the Kashkadarya River Basin, Uzbekistan

This article presents the findings of a comparative morphometric analysis of Schizothorax eurystomus Kessler, 1872, a species widely distributed in the Kashkadarya River. The study compares morphometric traits of individuals from this river with those of the same species inhabiting other water bodies within the Republic. A total of 26 specimens, ranging in length from 90 to 199mm, were collected from the Kashkadarya River. These included fish of varying ages and sizes, allowing for a comprehensive analysis. The specimens were fixed in 10% formalin in field conditions for preservation. For comparative purposes, additional data were collected from 14 specimens (101–308mm) from the Chirchik River and 40 specimens (82–255mm) from the Akhangaran River. Morphometric and meristic characteristics were analyzed across all samples. The results revealed significant differences in specimens from the Kashkadarya River, particularly in structures associated with the locomotor system. Statistical significance of group differences was assessed using the T-test at a 5% level of confidence (r ≤ 0.05).