Phylogenetic Analysis of Channa Genus based on Morphological Characters and X-Ray Imaging

Classification of the dispute is in existence among the Channa genus. In present study, we measured 11 countable characteristics and 29 measurable characteristics of 89 individuals and performed morphological analysis among five Channa species. The principal component analysis showed that the cumulative contribution rate of five principal components reached 78.928%, and tail shank (TS) and head length (HL) were the main contributors to the first principal component (35.435% contribution rate). The scatter diagram of the principal component analysis showed that white type and Channa argus had common overlap, while the other three Channa species were grouped together. Cluster analysis showed that all Channa species can be completely separated, and O. argus var Kimnra and C. argus clustered together. The discriminant analysis showed that O. argus var Kimnra and C. argus were 41.7% and 58.3% similar to each other, respectively. X-ray photography revealed that O. argus var Kimnra and C. argus have similar forms, but they are far from C. asiatica. Therefore, O. argus var Kimnra and C. argus have a close relationship with no significant morphological differences.

Automated summary

This study conducted a morphological analysis of five Channa species. The results of principal component analysis and cluster analysis revealed their relationship. Discriminant analysis and X-ray photography further confirmed the similarity between O. argus var Kimnra and C. argus.