Age, Growth and Otolith Microstructure of the Spotted Lanternfish Myctophum punctatum Rafinesque 1810

This study investigated, for the first time, age and growth of spotted lanternfish Myctophum punctatum through an analysis otolith microstructure. A total 377 individuals were collected from Strait Messina (central Mediterranean Sea), ranging between 20.3 73.7 mm standard length. Their length–weight relationship was estimated, these outputs indicated isometric growth, all specimens when males females analysed separately. The sagittal otoliths removed 185 fish, although microincrement readings considered valid only 173 otoliths. Microincrement counts ranged 32 to 48 (average = 37.6) in central zone, 30 56 44.3) middle 36 384 165.5) external zone. Overall, microincrements 106 469. Different models (Gompertz, von Bertalanffy logistic models) considered, understand which one fit best describing patterns M. punctatum. Gompertz model then selected as best-fitting its parameters L? 74.79, k 0.0084 I 139.60.