Abstract:One hundred 3-month aged Paralichthys olivaceus were randomly sampled for measuring five morphometric traits including full length (X1), body length (X2), head length (X3), body thickness (X4), body height (X5) and body weight (Y). Through path analysis and multiple linear regression with SAS 8.2 software，this study estimated the path coefficients and determination coefficients of each morphometric trait to body weight and dissected effect of each morphometric trait on body weight as direct effect and indirect effect. This study also confirmed the main morphometric traits influencing the body weight of 3 month aged P. olivaceus and provided data support and optimal measuring indexes for selective breeding of P. olivaceus. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between all morphometric traits and body weight were extremely significant (P<0.01). The path coefficients of body length, body thickness and body width of 3-month aged P. olivaceus to body weight were all extremely significant (P<0.01). The total determination coefficient (R2) of all selected morphometric traits to body weight was 0.945, Indicating that the morphometric traits included in this study were major factors influencing body weight. The insignificant morphometric traits were excluded through coefficient test of partial regression, and then the optimal multiple linear regression equation was established as Y=-4.988+0.763X2 2.997X4 1.089X5, for which all included partial regression coefficients were extremely significant (P<0.01).
