Phenotypic differentiation analysis: A case study in hybridizing Çoruh trout (Salmo coruhensis), Rize trout (Salmo rizeensis) and brown trout (Salmo trutta fario)

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the phenotypic variation in Çoruh trout (Salmo coruhensis), Rize trout (Salmo rizeensis), brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) and their native hybrids (S. rizeensis × S. t. fario; S. t. fario × S. coruhensis; S. rizeensis × S. coruhensis). The numbers and diameters of red and black spots were determined on operculum, fins and above and below the lateral line. The results from this study indicate that there were differences in spotting pattern, colour pattern or fin pigmentation traits between S. rizeensis, S. t. fario, S. coruhensis and their hybrids. Consequently, native S. rizeensis, S. t. fario and S. coruhensis were affected by interaction and phenotypic plastic aspects of traits in S. rizeensis were dominant in their hybrids (S. rizeensis × S. t. fario; S. rizeensis × S. coruhensis).