A method for preparing large numbers of otolith sections for viewing by scanning electron microscope

• Published in: ICES Journal of Marine Science
• Main Authors: Ashford, J. R., Robinson, K., White, M. G.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 1993
• Subjects: Articles; Antarctic; The Antarctic; South Orkney Islands; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/50/2/227; https://doi.org/10.1006/jmsc.1993.1024

In an investigation of the age structure of a population of Notothenia coriiceps Richardson at the South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, the microstructure of otoliths was examined. Progress is reported on a method used for processing large numbers of otoliths using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Compared with previous SEM techniques, which normally prepare otoliths individually for viewing, this allowed larger sample sizes to be examined. Compared with similar light microscope techniques, this method gave enhanced resolution, particularly for discerning edge structure, and thus may facilitate present methods of ageing fish populations, especially for fishery work in the Antarctic where otoliths are often small and difficult to interpret using conventional techniques.