Biometry of Bagrid Fish Mystus pelusius (Solander, 1794) (Siluriformes:Bagridae) from Al-Hammar Marsh, Southern Iraq

A total of 41 specimens of bagrid fish Mystus pelusius (Solander, 1794), were collected from Al-Hammar marsh, southern Iraq during December 2011 till April 2012. Meristic and morphometric characters are given. Dorsal fin containing one strong spine and 6-8 rays, anal fin 9-12 rays, total gill raker 14 on first gill arch. dorsal fin base length 14.3-16.1, Anal fin base length 9.8-13, inter dorsal - adipose fin distance 3.7-6.7, Adipose fin base length 39.3-45.2, Caudal peduncle length 19.9-26.2, Pre Anus length 49.2-55.1, all in percentage of standard length. Head width 65.19-78.2, post orbital length 42.23-47.88, eye diameter16.89-19.45, dorsal spine length 71.75-92.18, maxillary barble 201.34-245.83, and nasal barble 35.43 - 54.2 all in percentage of head length. Total number of vertebrae 44-46.