ABSTRACT 



Morphometric characters were found to be good indicators for separating 

 populations of striped bass found along the Atlantic coast. Standard length, head 

 length, predorsal distance, prepelvic distance, body depth, and caudal -peduncle 

 depth were the characters used. The data were analyzed by appropriate F -tests 

 in an analysis of covariance. Standard length was used as the independent vari- 

 able in all comparisons, and all other characters were employed as dependent 

 variables. 



On the basis of this study, it is believed that there are at least four 

 populations of striped bass in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The data also 

 revealed that the Hudson River and Albemarle Sound contain distinct populations. 

 Specimens collected above Pinopolis Dam, in the Santee-Cooper River System in 

 South Carolina were found to have a greater body depth and a thicker caudal 

 peduncle than samples collected below the dam. The striped bass exhibited 

 north -south clines with respect to body and "caudal -peduncle depths. 



