Morphological Characteristics of Otoliths for Selected Fish in the Northwest Atlantic

The relationships between otolith dimensions and fish size for six demersal and two pelagic species were examined and found to be both curvilinear and species-specific. Otolith morphometric observations included length for all species examined and weight, width, volume, cross-sectional area and location of the focal point for selected species. Regression models relating each otolith morphometric parameter to fish length are provided. Statistical tests to examine correlation between left and right otolith dimensions were carried out and, for redfish, correlation in otolith morphology between sexes was also analyzed. There appeared to be no statistically significant difference between left and right otolith or between sexes. The significance of each parameter for estimating fish length was examined and a multiple regression model determined. Otolith weight appeared to have the best discrimination for estimating fish length as well as the easiest parameter to measure.