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Measurement Guidelines
Fork length: the straight-line distance from the tip of the head (snout) to the rear center edge of the tail
(caudal fi n).
Total length: the straight-line distance from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail (caudal fi n), excluding any
caudal fi lament, while the fi sh is lying on its side. The mouth of the fi sh may be closed and/or the tail may be
squeezed together to give the greatest overall measurement.
Curved fork length: the tip of the jaw to form of tail measured along the contour of the middle of the body.
Carapace length: The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns,
excluding and soft tissue, and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace.
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