Measurements on ground or sectioned otoliths: possibilities of bias

• Published in: Journal of Fish Biology
• Main Authors: Panfili, J., Ximenes, M.‐C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1992
• Subjects: Anguilla anguilla
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1992.tb02650.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1095-8649.1992.tb02650.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1992.tb02650.x

Back‐calculation usually requires measurements of growth marks revealed on otoliths by specific preparations. The standardization of the grinding (or sectioning) plane is necessary, but difficult, especially along the antero‐posterior axis. In order to show the importance of the grinding plane, tetracycline labelling of eel otoliths ( Anguilla anguilla L.) has been used. This marking has a calcio‐traumatic effect on otoliths, which can be revealed with staining techniques. Unless the grinding plane is incorrect, the tetracycline labelling and the staining of the ground surface are then superposed.