Age validation,and comparison of otolith,vertebra and opercular bone for estimating age of <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Schizothorax o’connori</Emphasis> in the Yarlung Tsangpo River,Tibet

A collection of 514 Schizothorax o’connori was made between August 2008 and August 2009 from Yarlung Tsangpo River to assess the suitability of three bony structures for age estimation. The annulus characteristics of otolith, vertebra and opercular bone were described. Location of the first annulus was validated by daily growth increment (DGI) analysis in the otoliths. Annual periodicity was verified by marginal increment ratio (MIR) analysis in otoliths and edge analysis in vertebrae and opercular bones. Annuli formed, once a year, between March and May for all three bony structures. Otoliths, vertebrae and opercular bones were examined to determine which structure produced the most precise and accurate age estimates in S. o’connori. Vertebrae and otoliths matched closely for the first 21 years of life, while opercular bones appeared to underestimate age. For older fish, the counts diverged and otoliths consistently providing higher age estimates. Sectioned otoliths proved to be the most precise and accurate structure for age estimation. The oldest observed schizothoracine fish was 50, more than twice the longevity previously accepted in S. o’connori.     

Precision of age determination from otoliths,opercular bones,scales and vertebrae in the threatened freshwater snakehead,Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793)

Ages were estimated from otoliths, opercular bones, scales, and vertebrae of 514 specimens of Channa punctata from three Indian rivers – the Ganga, Gomti, and Yamuna – to evaluate the potential bias of age estimates between readers and between pairs of aging structures. Standard procedures were followed to prepare and study the age structures. Among all structures, otoliths showed highest (97.4%) values of agreement between readers' age estimates followed by the opercular bones (89.5%), scales (84.2%) and vertebrae (78.9%). Because of the highest percentage of agreement and lowest average percentage of error (0.05%) and coefficient of variation (0.76%) values between readers, otoliths were considered the most suitable aging structure for C. punctata. When otoliths ages were compared with those of the other structures viz., opercular bones, scales and vertebrae, percentage of agreement was found highest between estimates (90.8%) of otoliths and opercular bones.     

西藏双须叶须鱼八种年龄鉴定材料的比较研究

用微耳石、星耳石、脊椎骨、鳃盖骨、臀鳞、胸鳞、侧线鳞和背鳞等8种年龄鉴定材料识别和鉴定西藏双须叶须鱼的年龄特征并进行比较分析, 以确定适宜的年龄鉴定材料。结果显示: 臀鳞形态特化严重, 胸鳞、侧线鳞、背鳞的年轮特征不明显, 与微耳石比较的平均百分比误差(IAPE)分别为41.63%、51.26%、50.50%和51.26%, 其他4种年龄材料与微耳石比较的IAPE相差不大, 依次为: 星耳石(12.28%)、脊椎骨(15.67%)、鳃盖骨(17.81%); 低于23龄时, 微耳石鉴定的平均年龄与耳石和脊椎骨鉴定的平均年龄较为接近(P>0.05), 分别为14.39龄、13.13龄和13.20龄, 显著高于鳃盖骨和4种鳞片(P<0.05); 高于23龄时, 7种年龄鉴定材料都显著低于微耳石所鉴定的平均年龄(P<0.05)。用微耳石鉴定所得的最大年龄为49龄, 星耳石鉴定所得的最大年龄为35龄, 脊椎骨鉴定所得最大年龄为34龄, 鳃盖骨为34龄, 臀鳞为22龄, 胸鳞为19龄, 侧线鳞为16龄, 背鳞为17龄。微耳石年龄鉴定的年龄读数与体长呈极显著的对数函数关系(P<0.01)。综合分析认为, 微耳石最适宜作为双须叶须鱼的年龄鉴定材料。     

The use of opercular bones in the study of age and growth in Labeo senegalensis from Lake Kainji, Nigeria

Check marks were found on the scales and opercular bones of Labeo senegalensis from Lake Kainji, Nigeria. The scale marks were often indistinct and difficult to interpret, but an attempt was made to determine age from the opercular bones.
At least two check marks per year were found on the opercular bones, one of these occurring during June-July, and the other during January. The relationship between opercular length and fish total length was plotted logarithmically and back-calculations of length made.
Problems of interpretation are discussed in relation to possible causes of ring formation.     

The growth ofOreochromis andersonii (Pisces: Cichlidae) from the Okavango Delta,Botswana, and a comparison of the scale and otolith methods of ageing

Synopsis Otoliths and scales were used for age and growth determination ofOreochromis andersonii from the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Marginal increment analysis showed that an annulus was formed in both the scales and otoliths during the dry summer period. Using scales, the growth ofO. andersonii was described by L_t = 285.27(1-e^{-0.26(t+2.02)}) mm SL and using otoliths by the equation L_t = 267.48(1-e^{-0.25(t+2.18)}) mm SL. Maximum age estimates of 10 years using scales and 13 years using otoliths were obtained and the growth curves were significantly different (p < 0.01). Age estimation using scales tended to over-emphasise growth inO. andersonii resulting in larger predicted lengths-at-age. For this reason, otoliths are considered to be more reliable and suitable than scales in determining the age and growth of this species.     

The growth of the freshwater murrel,Ophicephalus punctatus Bloch

Summary The growth of O. punctatus has been studied from the zones on the opercular bones and scales. Size estimates obtained from the opercular bones and scales were further substantiated by length frequency distribution and back-calculations. A close agreement in length-age relationship was obtained by various methods. These observations provide adequate evidence towards the validity of age determination in O. punctatus.Growth rate differs markedly in the two sexes. Males grow faster than the females. To study the changes in length with age, von Bertalanffy growth equation and Gompertz curve were used. The theoretical lengths obtained from the von Bertalanffy equation agreed very closely with the observed lengths.There is sexual difference in the weight-length relationship of O. punctatus. Modal weight of each year class obtained according to age reading showed that growth in weight is faster in males. The theoretical growth equation gives a good fit for weight-age data. O. punctatus is generally a fish of the impounded waters. The interrelationship between pond environment and growth characteristics has been discussed.     

Making the most of survey data: Incorporating age uncertainty when fitting growth parameters

Individual growth is an important parameter and is linked to a number of other biological processes. It is commonly modeled using the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF), which is regularly fitted to age data where the ages of the animals are not known exactly but are binned into yearly age groups, such as fish survey data. Current methods of fitting the VBGF to these data treat all the binned ages as the actual ages. We present a new VBGF model that combines data from multiple surveys and allows the actual age of an animal to be inferred. By fitting to survey data for Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), we compare our model with two other ways of combining data from multiple surveys but where the ages are as reported in the survey data. We use the fitted parameters as inputs into a yield‐per‐recruit model to see what would happen to advice given to management. We found that each of the ways of combining the data leads to different parameter estimates for the VBGF and advice for policymakers. Our model fitted to the data better than either of the other models and also reduced the uncertainty in the parameter estimates and models used to inform management. Our model is a robust way of fitting the VBGF and can be used to combine data from multiple sources. The model is general enough to fit other growth curves for any taxon when the age of individuals is binned into groups.     

An assessment of otoliths,dorsal spines and scales to age the long‐finned gurnard,Lepidotrigla argus,Ogilby, 1910 (Family: Triglidae)

Sagittal otoliths, dorsal spines and scales were critically assessed as structures to potentially determine the age of the long‐finned gurnard, Lepidotrigla argus. Counts were made of opaque growth increments and a readability score was assigned to each structure. Comparisons of growth increment counts were made between structures and between readings. All three structures showed some degree of readability and quantifiable growth increments, but this varied within fishes and between structures. Initial results showed that whole otoliths were more suitable to determine age estimates than dorsal spines and scales. Scales were considered unsuitable due to between reading ageing bias, variation in age estimates between structures, low precision and poor readability for this species. Dorsal spines showed evidence of loss of growth increments due to hollowing of the vascular core, which resulted in underestimation of older individuals in comparison to whole otoliths. Further analysis showed that growth increment counts from whole otoliths were lower for older individuals in comparison to sectioned otoliths. It is suggested that this is because of decreased clarity of growth increments towards the outer margin of whole otoliths in older individuals; this problem was not present with sectioned otoliths. It was concluded that sectioned otoliths were a more suitable structure from which to estimate age of L. argus than were whole otoliths, dorsal spines and/or scales.     

Age determination in common carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis>: history,relative utility of ageing structures,precision and accuracy

The common carp Cyprinus carpio is one of the most widely-distributed freshwater fishes in the world. Due to its value for conservation and fisheries in several native/translocated areas of distribution and its detrimental effects on the aquatic ecosystem in most invasive areas, robust age-based population dynamics models are required for successful management of this species. The present study provides a global review of age determination in carp, including a historical account of ageing methods, an assessment of the relative utility of ageing structures, and an evaluation of precision and accuracy (i.e. validation) of age estimates. Historically, scales were by far the most widely-employed structure, followed by the operculum, otolith, dorsal spine, vertebra and fin ray. However, in countries where carp is categorised as ‘high risk’ of impact, use of alternative structures to the scale was predominant. Causal criteria analysis showed scales and opercula to provide inconsistent evidence for successful annulus identification/counting, whereas consistent evidence was found for otoliths, dorsal spines, vertebrae and (pectoral) fin rays. Precision was always above reference thresholds for scales, whereas for otoliths, dorsal spines and fin rays was in several cases below. Accuracy was addressed sporadically and mostly in high-risk countries. It is suggested that dorsal spines or pectoral fin rays should be used in lieu of scales as non-lethal ageing structures, and otoliths (or vertebrae, pending more research) otherwise, and that validation should always be attempted as part of the set-up of more appropriate ageing protocols and use of correct terminology.     

Age and growth of albacore Thunnus alalunga in the North Pacific Ocean

The age and growth of North Pacific albacore Thunnus alalunga were investigated using obliquely sectioned sagittal otoliths from samples of 126 females and 148 males. Otolith edge analysis indicated that the identified annulus in a sagittal otolith is primarily formed during the period from September to February. The assessments of the fish age at first annulus formation indicated that the first annulus represents an age of <1 year. This study presents an age estimate (0·75 years) for the formation of the first annulus. The oldest fish ages observed in this study were 10 years for females and 14 years for males. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters of females estimated were L(∞) = 103·5 cm in fork length (L(F) ), K = 0·340 year(-1) and t(0) = -0·53 years, and the parameters of males were L(∞) = 114·0 cm, K = 0·253 year(-1) and t(0) = -1·01 years. Sexual size dimorphism between males and females seemed to occur after reaching sexual maturity. The coefficients of the power function for expressing the L(F) -mass relationship obtained from sex-pooled data were a = 2·964 × 10(-5) and b = 2·928.     

Age determination, bomb-radiocarbon validation and growth of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) from the Northwest Atlantic

Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) is the largest and one of the most widely-ranging and commercially-valuable groundfish in the Atlantic Ocean. Although presumed to be long-lived, their age and growth has not been validated. Ages were estimated by counting growth increments from approximately 2400 thin-sectioned sagittal otoliths collected from the Scotian Shelf and southern Grand Banks off eastern Canada. The accuracy of age estimates made from otolith thin sections was validated using bomb-radiocarbon assays of 13 otolith cores whose year of formation ranged from 1949 to 1975, encompassing the timeframe of the global radiocarbon pulse. Known-age juvenile halibut from a culture facility were used to identify the approximate location of the first annulus. Growth rate for males and females was similar up to about 70 cm (~5 years), after which point male growth slowed, while female growth continued to an age of up to 38 years and a maximum observed size of 232 cm. Males grew to an observed maximum length of about 175 cm and a maximum age of 50 years. A comparison of age estimates for otoliths collected in a ‘historic’ time frame (1963 to 1974) with those from recent years (1997 to 2007) shows that growth rate has not changed appreciably between the two time periods. Small but significant growth differences were observed between the Scotian Shelf and southern Grand Banks for both sexes, while large differences in length at age were observed between halibut caught with longline compared to otter trawl due to differences in length-based gear selectivity. Age interpretations based on sectioned otoliths tended to be 10–15% different than those based on break and burn, although the age comparison was confounded by other variables and must be considered provisional. Atlantic halibut is a long-lived fish, living up to at least 50 years, an important consideration for the management of the fishery.     

Age,growth and reproduction in creole perch (Percichthys trucha) in the Negro River,Argentinean Patagonia

Age, growth and reproductive characteristics of creole perch, Percichthys trucha, were investigated in the Negro River, southern Argentina from samples collected seasonally, December 1994–December 1995. Age was estimated via scale and whole otolith reading methods. Total length (n = 413) ranged from 103 to 432 mm, and weight from 12 to 1042 g. Significant differences between the length‐weight relationships of males and females were detected (P < 0.05). Isometric growth was observed in juveniles and males, whereas total population and females exhibited positive allometric growth. The marking pattern in scales and otoliths followed an annual rhythm, with the formation of only one annulus in scales and only one hyaline band in otoliths during autumn‐winter. The oldest males were 5 years old whereas maximum age in females was 12 years from scales and 15 years from otoliths. Because scales were found to underestimate age in individuals older than 4 years, otoliths were considered to be the best structures for creole perch age determination. Gompertz growth parameters based on otolith data were L∞: 428.0 mm, k = 0.46 and t₀ = 0.43 for total population (r = 0.90), L∞: 410.7 mm, k = 0.42 and t₀ = 0.46 for males (r = 0.91), and L∞: 434.1 mm, and k = 0.49 and t₀ = 0.43 for females (r = 0.91). Lengths at first maturity (TL₅₀) were 260 and 241 mm in males and females, respectively, both of which corresponded to ages between 1 and 2 years. Macroscopic gonad inspection and the high percentage of juveniles captured during summer indicated that spawning begins at the end of spring.     

暗纹东方鲀年龄鉴定的研究

用耳石、脊椎骨、鳃盖骨等识别和鉴定暗纹东方鲀(Takifugu obscurusAbe)的年龄,在描述其轮纹特征基础上,比较其在判读暗纹东方鲀年龄和生长特征上的异同与准确性。结果表明,耳石磨片上的轮纹特征明显、清晰且规律性强,是最好的年龄鉴定材料;脊椎骨轮纹也很清晰,但测量时有一定难度,也是较好的年龄鉴定材料;鳃盖骨上年轮较难判定,只能作为辅助材料。本文还对牙齿能否作为年龄鉴定材料进行了观测。       

Age and growth of a sub-Antarctic notothenioid, Patagonotothen ramsayi (Regan 1913), from the Falkland Islands

The Falklands’ rockcod Patagonotothen ramsayi was aged successfully using whole and sectioned otoliths. Marginal increment analysis showed that one opaque and one translucent zone were laid down each year. Counting daily rings in juvenile fish and back calculating to their assumed hatch dates validated the first annulus. Readings taken from scales and otoliths showed good agreement with no significant difference between them (P>0.05). Inter- and intra-reader comparisons also showed good agreement. The maximum estimated age was found to be 14 years and the calculated von Bertalanffy growth curve L _T =33.77(1−e ^{−0.25year(t+1.07)}) showed that P. ramsayi is a relatively slow growing fish that attains 5–6 cm L _T in its first year and after which grows approximately 3 cm per year until 4 years. Males seemed to have a slightly lower growth rate but attained a greater maximum size than females. The formation of annuli in the otoliths of P. ramsayi seems to coincide with periods of high reproductive activity with both peaks in GSI and the prevalence of translucent margins occurring in July.     

Preliminary evidence of delayed spawning and suppressed larval growth and condition of the major carps in the Yangtze River below the Three Gorges Dam

Commercial catches of the ‘major carps’ (grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus and bighead carp Aristichthys nobilis) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River have declined precipitously since construction of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD). To assess specific environmental effects, young-of-the-year major carps were collected below TGD in the Yangtze River at Jianli (larvae) and E’zhou (juveniles) and in the Dongting Lake (juveniles) during June–August 2007. Lapillar otoliths were analyzed to determine early growth. There were no discernible growth increments in otoliths for a majority of the larvae (38 of 63 grass carp and 40 of 47 silver carp), while increments were evident in otoliths formed in the larval stage for all the juveniles, indicating that larvae without discernible increments failed to recruit to the juvenile stage. Back-calculated hatch dates of major carps were between 31 May and 24 July. The initiation of the spawning season was delayed about 1 month compared to pre-TGD records. Larval growth rates, as reflected by otolith-increment width, were lower at Dongting Lake (closer to TGD) than at E’zhou (farther from TGD), indicating that TGD-moderated effects on early growth and development of carps are more apparent for fishes hatched nearer to the dam. The delay in spawning and decreased early growth may partly explain the recent decline of the major carp resources in the middle and lower Yangtze River.     

Age and growth of the Black Sea turbot, Psetta maxima (Linneaus, 1758) (Pisces: Scophthalmidae), estimated by reading otoliths and by back-calculation

Age and growth of the Black Sea turbot, Psetta maxima, were determined from a total of 1445 individuals collected along the eastern Black Sea coast between 1990 and 1996. Age was estimated by interpreting growth rings in whole and broken sagittal otoliths. The former method underestimated the age over 5 years, and a maximum age of 11 years was observed by the latter. Marginal increment analysis clearly showed that a single annulus is formed in early summer each year. Growth in length differed between sexes, and females attained a larger size than males at the same age. No significant difference was found between the mean observed total length (TL), the back‐calculated TL derived from radius measurements and the TL estimated from otolith size–fish size relationship. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated by the length‐at‐age data were: L_∞ = 96.24 cm; K = 0.119 year^?1; t₀ = ?0.01 year for the entire population.     

Geographic variation in the growth of white croaker,Pennahia argentata,off the coast of northwest Kyushu,Japan

We examined geographic variation in the growth of white croaker,Pennahia argentata, off the coast of northwest Kyushu, Japan, Ariake Sound, Tachibana Bay, Omura Bay and the Goto Sea by examination of otoliths. The outer margins of the otoliths showed that a opaque zone was formed once a year, with its peak in June, and could be used as an annulus. White croaker caught during this study reached a maximum age of 10years in the Goto Sea. The growth curves for both sexes in all localities were expressed by the von Bertalanffy growth equations from back-calculated total length of fish. We found significant sexual differences in growth curves in Ariake Sound, Tachibana Bay and the Goto Sea. For both sexes, white croaker in the Goto Sea reached the largest length at each estimated age of the four localities. The growth curves for both sexes showed significant differences among four localities, suggesting that several stocks may exist in the study area although the greatest distance between each locality was at most 30 km.     

Otolith annulus validation and variables influencing false annuli formation in dorsal spines of saugeye

Marginal increment analysis is a common technique for validating formation of a single annual growth ring on an ageing structure. False annuli can form on ageing structures when environmental variables affect growth of a fish, potentially resulting in age estimation bias. Therefore, validating ageing structures is essential to ensure that accurate and precise age estimates are collected when assessing fish population dynamics. Saugeye (Sander vitreus, [Mitchill, 1818]) and S. Canadensis, [Griffith and Smith, 1834]) are highly valued sport fish that are stocked across the Midwest United States. Using marginal increment analysis, we confirmed that a single annulus was formed yearly in otoliths of juvenile saugeye, however two annuli formed in dorsal spines in a single year. Timing of the first annulus formation in both otoliths and dorsal spines was completed after a slow growth period during winter (otoliths forming in April; dorsal spines forming in March). The second annulus (false annulus) that formed during August in dorsal spines did not form in otoliths. To understand what environmental factors may influence the false annulus to form, we collected monthly water temperatures and percent empty stomachs of juvenile saugeye. The highest water temperatures of the year occur during July and August, which resulted in saugeye seeking thermal refuge and affecting feeding habits. Mean monthly temperature and percent empty stomachs were positively correlated, so during times of high temperatures foraging rates declined, suggesting the formation of false annulus on dorsal spines of juvenile saugeye. This study demonstrates how thermal stress affected accuracy of non‐lethal aging structures and further emphasizes the need for age validation studies prior to using non‐lethal ageing structures to estimate age for a particular species from different aquatic systems.     

雅鲁藏布江下游弧唇裂腹鱼的年龄结构与生长特性

研究以采自雅鲁藏布江下游墨脱段的928尾弧唇裂腹鱼(Schizothorax curvilabiatus)为研究对象, 对耳石、脊椎骨和鳃盖骨三种年龄材料的准确性进行比较, 并对其种群年龄结构和生长特性进行研究。结果表明, 耳石是鉴定弧唇裂腹鱼最适合的年龄材料。弧唇裂腹鱼体长为48—508 mm, 体重为1.8—1898.9 g。体长体重关系式为W =2.279×10–5 SL 2.931。雌鱼最大年龄43龄, 雄鱼最大年龄23龄。von Bertalanffy生长方程为雌性: L_t= 590.2[1–e–0.096(t–0.282)], W_t=3016.8[1–e–0.096(t–0.282)]2.931; 雄性: L_t=575.3[1–e–0.090(t+0.011)], W_t=2798.9[1–e–0.090(t+0.011)]2.931。弧唇裂腹鱼雌性和雄性的拐点年龄分别为11.5龄和11.9龄。研究结果表明弧唇裂腹鱼生长缓慢、寿命较长, 为典型的K-对策选择者。随着雅鲁藏布江下游河流环境受到的人为干扰逐渐加大, 应从控制捕捞、栖息地保护和加强人工繁育等方面保护弧唇裂腹鱼的种群资源。     

Validation of scales and otoliths for estimating age of redband trout in high desert streams of Idaho

Studies validating aging structures for rainbow trout are sparse and none have been conducted for redband trout, a common western U.S. sub-species. Oxytetracycline mark-recapture methods (MR), marginal incremental analysis (MIA), and comparisons across multiple populations were used to evaluate the utility of two structures for aging redband trout in high desert streams. We assessed periodicity of annulus formation on scale and otolith samples from all age classes of trout residing in two streams, identified the location of the first annulus on otoliths, and compared age estimates and between-reader coefficient of variation on nine additional streams. The use of MIA successfully validated opaque zone periodicity for fish transitioning from age-0 to age-1, and from age 1 to age 2 in two streams. For fish at liberty 13 and 28 months in the same two streams, MR-derived age estimates from whole and sectioned otoliths were 94–100% accurate for fish from 2–9 years old. Scales were only 77% and 38% accurate for fish at liberty 13 and 28 months, respectively. Between-reader coefficient of variation (CV) for scales was high (11.5%), while CV for sectioned otoliths using whole otoliths as corroboratory structures averaged 2.3%. Scales were thus, an unacceptable aging structure for desert redband trout. Given the confusion in the literature, we suggest that more rigorous research should be conducted to define and explain otolith zone formation.