The developmental variations of the sagitta otolith in the young and mature male of a hermaphrodite polynemidae fish, Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw, 1804)

Abstract The Eleutheronema tetradactylum is a protandrous, hermaphrodite, marine perciformes fish. The body length of this fish acts as an important diagnostic marker for male and female discrimination. The present study describes for the first time the ultrastructural characteristics on the medial surface of the sagitta otolith in different body size groups of males of E. tetradactylum (Polynemidae: Perciformes) using scanning electron microscopy. The sagitta is a spindle-shaped structure that includes a well-developed rostrum and a poorly developed antirostrum. The sulcus is ostio-pseudocaudal type, almost straight and devoid of the collum. The ostium is a well-developed, vase-shaped structure. The cauda includes the colliculum and a well-developed caudal bulb with several distinct growth stripes. The length of the caudal bulb is significantly correlated to the growth of the body size of the fish. The excisura major is indistinct and the excisura minor is absent. The cristae are distinct on both sides of the sulcus. The one-way ANOVA test revealed that the development of several sagitta features shows significant differences in various body size groups of E. tetradactylum. The growth of the sagitta length is more closely related to the fork length than the sagitta width. Therefore, the sagitta length and the caudal bulb length can be used as important predictors to evaluate the fish size. The cauda region of the sagitta in E. tetradactylum is unique as well as more decorative than those of another Polynemidae fish and other hermaphrodite, marine perciformes fishes. The sagitta characteristics of E. tetradactylum might be advantageous in the identification of the sex and the taxonomy of the hermaphrodite fish species.

The developmental variations of the sagitta otolith in the young and mature male of a hermaphrodite polynemidae fish, Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw, 1804)

Abstract The Eleutheronema tetradactylum is a protandrous, hermaphrodite, marine perciformes fish. The body length of this fish acts as an important diagnostic marker for male and female discrimination. The present study describes for the first time the ultrastructural characteristics on the medial surface of the sagitta otolith in different body size groups of males of E. tetradactylum (Polynemidae: Perciformes) using scanning electron microscopy. The sagitta is a spindle-shaped structure that includes a well-developed rostrum and a poorly developed antirostrum. The sulcus is ostio-pseudocaudal type, almost straight and devoid of the collum. The ostium is a well-developed, vase-shaped structure. The cauda includes the colliculum and a well-developed caudal bulb with several distinct growth stripes. The length of the caudal bulb is significantly correlated to the growth of the body size of the fish. The excisura major is indistinct and the excisura minor is absent. The cristae are distinct on both sides of the sulcus. The one-way ANOVA test revealed that the development of several sagitta features shows significant differences in various body size groups of E. tetradactylum. The growth of the sagitta length is more closely related to the fork length than the sagitta width. Therefore, the sagitta length and the caudal bulb length can be used as important predictors to evaluate the fish size. The cauda region of the sagitta in E. tetradactylum is unique as well as more decorative than those of another Polynemidae fish and other hermaphrodite, marine perciformes fishes. The sagitta characteristics of E. tetradactylum might be advantageous in the identification of the sex and the taxonomy of the hermaphrodite fish species.

Sagitta otolith of three demersal species in a tropical environment

Abstract The objective of this study was to describe the morphology and morphometry of saggitta otoliths of Polydactylus virginicus, Menticirrhus cuiaranensis and Conodon nobilis in a tropical environment. Fishes were caught with rod and reel in competitive fishing events promoted in 2014-2015 along the coast of Sergipe. A total of 174 pairs of sagitta otoliths of P. virginicus, 181 of M. cuiaranensis and 77 of C. nobilis was extracted. In general, the sagitta otoliths of all three species analyzed here presented different morphology and shape indices. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) demonstrated significant differences among species and ontogenetic phases within each species using morphometry and shape indices. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) presented a 98.3% correct reclassification of the otoliths by species.

Sagitta otolith of three demersal species in a tropical environment

Abstract The objective of this study was to describe the morphology and morphometry of saggitta otoliths of Polydactylus virginicus, Menticirrhus cuiaranensis and Conodon nobilis in a tropical environment. Fishes were caught with rod and reel in competitive fishing events promoted in 2014-2015 along the coast of Sergipe. A total of 174 pairs of sagitta otoliths of P. virginicus, 181 of M. cuiaranensis and 77 of C. nobilis was extracted. In general, the sagitta otoliths of all three species analyzed here presented different morphology and shape indices. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) demonstrated significant differences among species and ontogenetic phases within each species using morphometry and shape indices. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) presented a 98.3% correct reclassification of the otoliths by species.

The developmental variations of the sagitta otolith in the young and mature male of a hermaphrodite polynemidae fish, Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw, 1804)

The Eleutheronema tetradactylum is a protandrous, hermaphrodite, marine perciformes fish. The body length of this fish acts as an important diagnostic marker for male and female discrimination. The present study describes for the first time the ultrastructural characteristics on the medial surface of the sagitta otolith in different body size groups of males of E. tetradactylum (Polynemidae: Perciformes) using scanning electron microscopy. The sagitta is a spindle-shaped structure that includes a well-developed rostrum and a poorly developed antirostrum. The sulcus is ostio-pseudocaudal type, almost straight and devoid of the collum. The ostium is a well-developed, vase-shaped structure. The cauda includes the colliculum and a well-developed caudal bulb with several distinct growth stripes. The length of the caudal bulb is significantly correlated to the growth of the body size of the fish. The excisura major is indistinct and the excisura minor is absent. The cristae are distinct on both sides of the sulcus. The one-way ANOVA test revealed that the development of several sagitta features shows significant differences in various body size groups of E. tetradactylum. The growth of the sagitta length is more closely related to the fork length than the sagitta width. Therefore, the sagitta length and the caudal bulb length can be used as important predictors to evaluate the fish size. The cauda region of the sagitta in E. tetradactylum is unique as well as more decorative than those of another Polynemidae fish and other hermaphrodite, marine perciformes fishes. The sagitta characteristics of E. tetradactylummight be advantageous in the identification of the sex and the taxonomy of the hermaphrodite fish species.(AU)

Sagitta otolith of three demersal species in a tropical environment

The objective of this study was to describe the morphology and morphometry of saggitta otoliths of Polydactylus virginicus, Menticirrhus cuiaranensis and Conodon nobilis in a tropical environment. Fishes were caught with rod and reel in competitive fishing events promoted in 2014-2015 along the coast of Sergipe. A total of 174 pairs of sagitta otoliths of P. virginicus, 181 of M. cuiaranensis and 77 of C. nobilis was extracted. In general, the sagitta otoliths of all three species analyzed here presented different morphology and shape indices. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) demonstrated significant differences among species and ontogenetic phases within each species using morphometry and shape indices. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) presented a 98.3% correct reclassification of the otoliths by species.(AU)

Growth stanza in fish life history using otoliths shape: the protandric Centropomus case (Carangaria: Centropomidae)

Morphoanatomical or physiological changes coupled with changes in body size are known as allometric relationships. The objective of this study was to identify the points of growth changes in Centropomus based on otolith morphometry and morphogeometry. For this purpose, 455 individuals of C. undecimalis and 176 of C. parallelus were collected from artisanal fishermen of the coast of the state of Alagoas, Brazil. The sagittal otoliths were measured for length, height, perimeter, area and weighed. The potential and polyphasic models were fitted between total fish length and otolith length. The morphotypes otoliths wen describe by form Fourier descriptors and shape indices. The polyphasic model detected three growth phases. The first stanza for C. undecimalis was at 46.8 cm and the second at 75.9 cm. For C. parallelus, it was at 18.8 cm and at 41.2 cm. Each stanza has a specific otoliths morphotype in both species. The otoliths of C. undecimalis and C. parallelus exhibited ontogenetic allometric changes in their growth pattern with two stanzas changing points. The stanzas corresponded to specific lengths reached by individuals over their life cycles, such as their size at maturity and length at sexual reversion.(AU)

Mudanças morfoanatômicas ou fisiológicas em conjunto com mudanças no tamanho do corpo, são conhecidas como relações alométricas. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar os pontos de mudanças de crescimento de Centropomus com base na morfometria e morfogeometria dos otólitos. Foram coletados 455 indivíduos de C. undecimalis e 176 de C. parallelus, adquiridos com pescadores artesanais do estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Os otólitos sagitta foram medidos quanto ao comprimento, altura, perímetro, área e pesados. Os modelos potencial e polifásico foram ajustados entre o comprimento do peixe e o comprimento do otólito. Os morfotipos de otólitos são descritos por descritores de Fourier e índices de forma. O modelo polifásico detectou três fases de crescimento. A primeira stanza para C. undecimalis foi em 46,8 cm e a segunda em 75,9 cm. Já C. parallelus, a primeira foi em 18,8 cm e segunda em 41,2 cm. Cada stanza possui um morfotipo específico de otólitos em ambas as espécies. Os otólitos de C. undecimalis e C. parallelus exibiram mudanças alométricas ontogenéticas em seu padrão de crescimento com dois pontos de mudança de stanzas. As stanzas corresponderam a comprimentos específicos alcançados por indivíduos ao longo de seus ciclos de vida, como seu tamanho na maturidade e comprimento na reversão sexual.(AU)

Growth stanza in fish life history using otoliths shape: the protandric Centropomus case (Carangaria: Centropomidae)

Morphoanatomical or physiological changes coupled with changes in body size are known as allometric relationships. The objective of this study was to identify the points of growth changes in Centropomus based on otolith morphometry and morphogeometry. For this purpose, 455 individuals of C. undecimalis and 176 of C. parallelus were collected from artisanal fishermen of the coast of the state of Alagoas, Brazil. The sagittal otoliths were measured for length, height, perimeter, area and weighed. The potential and polyphasic models were fitted between total fish length and otolith length. The morphotypes otoliths wen describe by form Fourier descriptors and shape indices. The polyphasic model detected three growth phases. The first stanza for C. undecimalis was at 46.8 cm and the second at 75.9 cm. For C. parallelus, it was at 18.8 cm and at 41.2 cm. Each stanza has a specific otoliths morphotype in both species. The otoliths of C. undecimalis and C. parallelus exhibited ontogenetic allometric changes in their growth pattern with two stanzas changing points. The stanzas corresponded to specific lengths reached by individuals over their life cycles, such as their size at maturity and length at sexual reversion.(AU)

Mudanças morfoanatômicas ou fisiológicas em conjunto com mudanças no tamanho do corpo, são conhecidas como relações alométricas. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar os pontos de mudanças de crescimento de Centropomus com base na morfometria e morfogeometria dos otólitos. Foram coletados 455 indivíduos de C. undecimalis e 176 de C. parallelus, adquiridos com pescadores artesanais do estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Os otólitos sagitta foram medidos quanto ao comprimento, altura, perímetro, área e pesados. Os modelos potencial e polifásico foram ajustados entre o comprimento do peixe e o comprimento do otólito. Os morfotipos de otólitos são descritos por descritores de Fourier e índices de forma. O modelo polifásico detectou três fases de crescimento. A primeira stanza para C. undecimalis foi em 46,8 cm e a segunda em 75,9 cm. Já C. parallelus, a primeira foi em 18,8 cm e segunda em 41,2 cm. Cada stanza possui um morfotipo específico de otólitos em ambas as espécies. Os otólitos de C. undecimalis e C. parallelus exibiram mudanças alométricas ontogenéticas em seu padrão de crescimento com dois pontos de mudança de stanzas. As stanzas corresponderam a comprimentos específicos alcançados por indivíduos ao longo de seus ciclos de vida, como seu tamanho na maturidade e comprimento na reversão sexual.(AU)

Variações na forma do otólito sagitta de Coryphaena hippurus (Actinopterygii: Coryphaenidae) em uma área de ressurgência na costa sudoeste do Oceano Atlântico

ABSTRACT The otoliths are structures species-specific of fishes whose morphologic analysis is an efficient tool for identification and discrimination of stocks and/or populations subjected to clinal variations. This work intends to show the degrees of morphologic variation in sagitta otoliths of dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758, landed by the fishing fleet from Rio de Janeiro. The 164 pairs of otoliths analyzed were obtained from biological samples collected between February 2014 and October 2016. The shape and the contour of sagitta otoliths were characterized by means of six descriptors (area, perimeter, circularity, rectangularity, eccentricity and fractal dimension) and Elliptical Fourier Analysis (EFA), from the images of otoliths. Interannual comparisons of shape descriptors showed significant differences (PERMANOVA p 0.0001) except rectangularity and fractal dimension. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) between years exhibited a better classification (94.8%) for 2015, when the data was more consistent. The cluster analysis of the 30 harmonics based on Wards hierarchical algorithm revealed four otolith morphotypes. The principal components analysis (PCA) from harmonics of the 82 otoliths examined did not show spatial discrimination between fishing areas. Therefore, the observed morphotypes corroborate the existence of a polymorphism in the study area, determined by balanced temporal selection. This supposition can be supported by genetic studies realized in the region, where the hypothesis of two commercial morphotypes was rejected, confirming the presence of a mixed stock.

RESUMO Os otólitos são estruturas espécie-específicas de peixes cuja análise morfológica é uma ferramenta eficiente para identificação e discriminação de estoques e/ou populações sujeitas a variações clinais. O presente trabalho buscou elucidar o grau de variação morfológica dos otólitos sagitta do dourado, Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758 capturado ao largo da costa sudeste do Brasil pela frota pesqueira sediada no Rio de Janeiro. Os 164 pares de otólitos analisados foram obtidos a partir de amostras coletadas entre fevereiro de 2014 e outubro de 2016. A forma e o contorno dos otólitos sagitta foram caracterizados através de seis descritores (área, perímetro, circularidade, retangularidade, excentricidade e dimensão fractal) e análises de Fourier elíptica (AFE), a partir de imagens dos otólitos. Comparações interanuais dos descritores de formas apontaram diferenças significativas (PERMANOVA p 0,0001), com exceção da retangularidade e dimensão fractal. A análise discriminante linear (ADL) entre anos, apresentou melhor classificação (94,8%) para o ano de 2015, cuja disponibilidade de dados foi mais consistente. A análise de agrupamento das 30 harmônicas, baseada no algoritmo hierárquico de Ward, revelou quatro morfotipos de otólitos. A análise de componentes principais (ACP) das harmônicas dos 82 otólitos examinados não discriminou as áreas de captura. Assim, os morfotipos observados denotam a existência de um polimorfismo em toda área de estudo, determinado provavelmente por um balanço de seleção, i.e., seleção por equilíbrio temporal. Tal suposição foi corroborada através de estudos genéticos realizados nesta região, cuja hipótese da presença de dois morfotipos capturáveis/comercializáveis (dourado vs. palombeta) na área foi rejeitada, confirmando a presença de um estoque misto.

Variações na forma do otólito sagitta de Coryphaena hippurus (Actinopterygii: Coryphaenidae) em uma área de ressurgência na costa sudoeste do Oceano Atlântico / Variations in the shape of the sagitta otolith of Coryphaena hippurus (Actinopterygii: Coryphaenidae) in a resurgence area on the southwest coast of the Atlantic Ocean

The otoliths are structures species-specific of fishes whose morphologic analysis is an efficient tool for identification and discrimination of stocks and/or populations subjected to clinal variations. This work intends to show the degrees of morphologic variation in sagitta otoliths of dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758, landed by the fishing fleet from Rio de Janeiro. The 164 pairs of otoliths analyzed were obtained from biological samples collected between February 2014 and October 2016. The shape and the contour of sagitta otoliths were characterized by means of six descriptors (area, perimeter, circularity, rectangularity, eccentricity and fractal dimension) and Elliptical Fourier Analysis (EFA), from the images of otoliths. Interannual comparisons of shape descriptors showed significant differences (PERMANOVA p 0.0001) except rectangularity and fractal dimension. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) between years exhibited a better classification (94.8%) for 2015, when the data was more consistent. The cluster analysis of the 30 harmonics based on Wards hierarchical algorithm revealed four otolith morphotypes. The principal components analysis (PCA) from harmonics of the 82 otoliths examined did not show spatial discrimination between fishing areas. Therefore, the observed morphotypes corroborate the existence of a polymorphism in the study area, determined by balanced temporal selection. This supposition can be supported by genetic studies realized in the region, where the hypothesis of two commercial morphotypes was rejected, confirming the presence of a mixed stock.(AU)

Os otólitos são estruturas espécie-específicas de peixes cuja análise morfológica é uma ferramenta eficiente para identificação e discriminação de estoques e/ou populações sujeitas a variações clinais. O presente trabalho buscou elucidar o grau de variação morfológica dos otólitos sagitta do dourado, Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758 capturado ao largo da costa sudeste do Brasil pela frota pesqueira sediada no Rio de Janeiro. Os 164 pares de otólitos analisados foram obtidos a partir de amostras coletadas entre fevereiro de 2014 e outubro de 2016. A forma e o contorno dos otólitos sagitta foram caracterizados através de seis descritores (área, perímetro, circularidade, retangularidade, excentricidade e dimensão fractal) e análises de Fourier elíptica (AFE), a partir de imagens dos otólitos. Comparações interanuais dos descritores de formas apontaram diferenças significativas (PERMANOVA p 0,0001), com exceção da retangularidade e dimensão fractal. A análise discriminante linear (ADL) entre anos, apresentou melhor classificação (94,8%) para o ano de 2015, cuja disponibilidade de dados foi mais consistente. A análise de agrupamento das 30 harmônicas, baseada no algoritmo hierárquico de Ward, revelou quatro morfotipos de otólitos. A análise de componentes principais (ACP) das harmônicas dos 82 otólitos examinados não discriminou as áreas de captura. Assim, os morfotipos observados denotam a existência de um polimorfismo em toda área de estudo, determinado provavelmente por um balanço de seleção, i.e., seleção por equilíbrio temporal. Tal suposição foi corroborada através de estudos genéticos realizados nesta região, cuja hipótese da presença de dois morfotipos capturáveis/comercializáveis (dourado vs. palombeta) na área foi rejeitada, confirmando a presença de um estoque misto.(AU)

Variações na forma do otólito sagitta de Coryphaena hippurus (Actinopterygii: Coryphaenidae) em uma área de ressurgência na costa sudoeste do Oceano Atlântico / Variations in the shape of the sagitta otolith of Coryphaena hippurus (Actinopterygii: Coryphaenidae) in a resurgence area on the southwest coast of the Atlantic Ocean

The otoliths are structures species-specific of fishes whose morphologic analysis is an efficient tool for identification and discrimination of stocks and/or populations subjected to clinal variations. This work intends to show the degrees of morphologic variation in sagitta otoliths of dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758, landed by the fishing fleet from Rio de Janeiro. The 164 pairs of otoliths analyzed were obtained from biological samples collected between February 2014 and October 2016. The shape and the contour of sagitta otoliths were characterized by means of six descriptors (area, perimeter, circularity, rectangularity, eccentricity and fractal dimension) and Elliptical Fourier Analysis (EFA), from the images of otoliths. Interannual comparisons of shape descriptors showed significant differences (PERMANOVA p 0.0001) except rectangularity and fractal dimension. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) between years exhibited a better classification (94.8%) for 2015, when the data was more consistent. The cluster analysis of the 30 harmonics based on Wards hierarchical algorithm revealed four otolith morphotypes. The principal components analysis (PCA) from harmonics of the 82 otoliths examined did not show spatial discrimination between fishing areas. Therefore, the observed morphotypes corroborate the existence of a polymorphism in the study area, determined by balanced temporal selection. This supposition can be supported by genetic studies realized in the region, where the hypothesis of two commercial morphotypes was rejected, confirming the presence of a mixed stock.

Os otólitos são estruturas espécie-específicas de peixes cuja análise morfológica é uma ferramenta eficiente para identificação e discriminação de estoques e/ou populações sujeitas a variações clinais. O presente trabalho buscou elucidar o grau de variação morfológica dos otólitos sagitta do dourado, Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758 capturado ao largo da costa sudeste do Brasil pela frota pesqueira sediada no Rio de Janeiro. Os 164 pares de otólitos analisados foram obtidos a partir de amostras coletadas entre fevereiro de 2014 e outubro de 2016. A forma e o contorno dos otólitos sagitta foram caracterizados através de seis descritores (área, perímetro, circularidade, retangularidade, excentricidade e dimensão fractal) e análises de Fourier elíptica (AFE), a partir de imagens dos otólitos. Comparações interanuais dos descritores de formas apontaram diferenças significativas (PERMANOVA p 0,0001), com exceção da retangularidade e dimensão fractal. A análise discriminante linear (ADL) entre anos, apresentou melhor classificação (94,8%) para o ano de 2015, cuja disponibilidade de dados foi mais consistente. A análise de agrupamento das 30 harmônicas, baseada no algoritmo hierárquico de Ward, revelou quatro morfotipos de otólitos. A análise de componentes principais (ACP) das harmônicas dos 82 otólitos examinados não discriminou as áreas de captura. Assim, os morfotipos observados denotam a existência de um polimorfismo em toda área de estudo, determinado provavelmente por um balanço de seleção, i.e., seleção por equilíbrio temporal. Tal suposição foi corroborada através de estudos genéticos realizados nesta região, cuja hipótese da presença de dois morfotipos capturáveis/comercializáveis (dourado vs. palombeta) na área foi rejeitada, confirmando a presença de um estoque misto.

Ontogenetic and sexual variation in the sagitta otolith of Menticirrhus americanus (Teleostei; Sciaenidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) in a subtropical environment

This study aimed to verify variations in the form of the sagitta otolith of Menticirrhus americanus as to their ontogeny, sex and stage of such structure. Ontogenetically were found significant differences (p < 0.05) for all shape indices (aspect ratios, shape factor, rectangularity, ellipticity, relative surface of sulcus acusticus) and also in the wavelet of the otolith. The CVA presented a 98.6% correct reclassification of the otolith between interval class. Sexual variations were found in the wavelet and in the relative surface of sulcus acusticus index. Between adult females and young females, differences were not detected in the wavelet and rectangularity, but significant differences were found in all other shape indices. The CVA presented a 79.6% correct reclassification of the otolith of the sexes and stages of life sampled. Young females and adults females showed highest correct percentage of classification. The results of this study demonstrate for the first time the influence of the ontogenetic variation and sexual in the form of the otoliths.

Ontogenetic and sexual variation in the sagitta otolith of Menticirrhus americanus (Teleostei; Sciaenidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) in a subtropical environment

This study aimed to verify variations in the form of the sagitta otolith of Menticirrhus americanus as to their ontogeny, sex and stage of such structure. Ontogenetically were found significant differences (p < 0.05) for all shape indices (aspect ratios, shape factor, rectangularity, ellipticity, relative surface of sulcus acusticus) and also in the wavelet of the otolith. The CVA presented a 98.6% correct reclassification of the otolith between interval class. Sexual variations were found in the wavelet and in the relative surface of sulcus acusticus index. Between adult females and young females, differences were not detected in the wavelet and rectangularity, but significant differences were found in all other shape indices. The CVA presented a 79.6% correct reclassification of the otolith of the sexes and stages of life sampled. Young females and adults females showed highest correct percentage of classification. The results of this study demonstrate for the first time the influence of the ontogenetic variation and sexual in the form of the otoliths.(AU)

Biometric relationships between body size and otolith size in 15 demersal marine fish species from the northern Brazilian coast / Relação biométrica entre tamanho coporal e tamanho do otólito em 15 espécies de peixes marinhos demersais da costa norte do Brasil

The relationships between fish size and sagitta otolith measurements were calculated for the first time for 15 species belonging to six families from the northern Brazilian coast. A total of 220 fish were sampled from the bycatch landed by the bottom-trawl industrial shrimp-fishing fleet between August and September 2016. All species had strong relationships between otolith measurements and fish total length with the coefficient of determination (r 2) ranging between 0.71 and 0.99. The variable most strongly related to fish total length was found to be the sagittal otolith length (OL) with 98% of the variability. These relationships are a useful tool to estimate length and mass of preyed fish from otoliths found in stomach contents of marine predators.(AU)

As relações entre o tamanho corporal do peixe e as medidas do otólito sagitta foram calculadas pela primeira vez para 15 espécies pertencentes a seis famílias de peixes demersais da costa norte do Brasil. Um total de 220 peixes foi amostrado da captura acidental realizada pelo arrasto de fundo da frota pesqueira industrial de camarão entre agosto e setembro de 2016. Todas as espécies apresentaram fortes relações entre as medidas do otólito e o comprimento total do peixe, com o coeficiente de determinação (r 2) variando entre 0,71 e 0,99. A variável mais fortemente relacionada ao comprimento total dos peixes foi o comprimento do otólito sagital (OL) com 98% da variabilidade. Essas relações representam uma ferramenta útil para estimar o comprimento e a massa de peixes predados a partir dos otólitos encontrados no conteúdo estomacal de predadores marinhos.(AU)

Relationships between fish and otolith dimensions of Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766) (Perciformes: Pomatomidae) in southeastern Brazil

The bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766), was used as a species-specific model to study morphometric relationships between otolith size and relative growth variables. Length-weight relationships between Otolith (Length-OL, Height-OH, and Weight-OW) and fish measurements (Total Length-TL and Total Weight-TW) were determined for fishes captured monthly during the year 2015 off the southeastern coast of Brazil. The ANCOVA and Kruskal-Wallis analysis did not indicate significant differences in the relative growth constants between sexes and length frequency distributions (p > 0.05). The condition factor also did not present significant differences between sexes, and right and left otolith measurements (p > 0.05). A total of 398 specimens were sampled: TL = 43.6-67.0 cm, TW = 365-2400 g, OL = 9.65-15.25 mm, OH = 3.65 - 5.45 mm and OW = 0.03-0.11 g. The LWR for grouped sexes was TW = 0.050TL2.55 and otoliths OW = 6.17E-05OL2.59. The best adjustments were TL vs OL (r2 = 0.90); OL vs OW (r2 = 0.90); TW vs OW (r2 = 0.81); and TW vs OL (r2 = 0.80). These results showed that such relationships are helpful tools for predicting the fish size and weight from otoliths, which may be used in food habits and paleontology studies, and other fisheries management applications.(AU)

A anchova, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766), foi usada como modelo espécie-específico de relações morfométricas de otólitos e variáveis de crescimento relativo. As relações peso-comprimento entre otólito (comprimento-CO, altura-AO e peso-PO) e tamanho do peixe (comprimento total-CT e peso total-PT) foram determinadas para indivíduos capturados mensalmente durante o ano de 2015 na costa sudeste do Brasil. As análises de ANCOVA e Kruskal-Wallis não indicaram diferenças significativas para as constantes de crescimento relativo entre os sexos e distribuições de frequência de comprimento (p> 0,05). O fator de condição também não apresentou diferenças significativas entre os sexos, e medidas do otólito direito e esquerdo (p > 0,05). Um total de 398 espécimes foram amostrados: CT = 43,6-67,0 cm e PT = 365-2400 g. A RPC para peixes foi PT = 0.050CT2,55 e para os seus otólitos foi PO = 6.17E-05CO2,59, CO = 9.65-15.25 mm, AO = 3.65 - 5.45 mm and PO = 0.03-0.11 g. Os melhores ajustes foram observados para CT vs CO (r2 = 0,90); CO vs PO (r2 = 0,90); PT vs PO (r2= 0,81) e PT vs CO (r2 = 0,80). Os resultados mostraram que essas relações são ferramentas úteis na geração de estimativas de tamanho e peso dos peixes a partir dos otólitos, permitindo a sua aplicação em estudos em outras áreas, incluindo hábitos alimentares, paleontologia e manejo da pesca.(AU)

Relationships between fish and otolith dimensions of Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766) (Perciformes: Pomatomidae) in southeastern Brazil

The bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766), was used as a species-specific model to study morphometric relationships between otolith size and relative growth variables. Length-weight relationships between Otolith (Length-OL, Height-OH, and Weight-OW) and fish measurements (Total Length-TL and Total Weight-TW) were determined for fishes captured monthly during the year 2015 off the southeastern coast of Brazil. The ANCOVA and Kruskal-Wallis analysis did not indicate significant differences in the relative growth constants between sexes and length frequency distributions (p > 0.05). The condition factor also did not present significant differences between sexes, and right and left otolith measurements (p > 0.05). A total of 398 specimens were sampled: TL = 43.6-67.0 cm, TW = 365-2400 g, OL = 9.65-15.25 mm, OH = 3.65 - 5.45 mm and OW = 0.03-0.11 g. The LWR for grouped sexes was TW = 0.050TL2.55 and otoliths OW = 6.17E-05OL2.59. The best adjustments were TL vs OL (r2 = 0.90); OL vs OW (r2 = 0.90); TW vs OW (r2 = 0.81); and TW vs OL (r2 = 0.80). These results showed that such relationships are helpful tools for predicting the fish size and weight from otoliths, which may be used in food habits and paleontology studies, and other fisheries management applications.(AU)

A anchova, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766), foi usada como modelo espécie-específico de relações morfométricas de otólitos e variáveis de crescimento relativo. As relações peso-comprimento entre otólito (comprimento-CO, altura-AO e peso-PO) e tamanho do peixe (comprimento total-CT e peso total-PT) foram determinadas para indivíduos capturados mensalmente durante o ano de 2015 na costa sudeste do Brasil. As análises de ANCOVA e Kruskal-Wallis não indicaram diferenças significativas para as constantes de crescimento relativo entre os sexos e distribuições de frequência de comprimento (p> 0,05). O fator de condição também não apresentou diferenças significativas entre os sexos, e medidas do otólito direito e esquerdo (p > 0,05). Um total de 398 espécimes foram amostrados: CT = 43,6-67,0 cm e PT = 365-2400 g. A RPC para peixes foi PT = 0.050CT2,55 e para os seus otólitos foi PO = 6.17E-05CO2,59, CO = 9.65-15.25 mm, AO = 3.65 - 5.45 mm and PO = 0.03-0.11 g. Os melhores ajustes foram observados para CT vs CO (r2 = 0,90); CO vs PO (r2 = 0,90); PT vs PO (r2= 0,81) e PT vs CO (r2 = 0,80). Os resultados mostraram que essas relações são ferramentas úteis na geração de estimativas de tamanho e peso dos peixes a partir dos otólitos, permitindo a sua aplicação em estudos em outras áreas, incluindo hábitos alimentares, paleontologia e manejo da pesca.(AU)

Morphological variations of the three otoliths of some species of the family Loricariidae (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes)

Otoliths are three pairs of calcareous structures found in the inner ear of bony fish. In many cases they display a species-specific morphology. The present study describes morphological variations of otoliths, namely lapillus, asteriscus and sagitta, of eleven species belonging to four loricariid subfamilies. Otolith structures that characterize the Loricariidae and some of its subfamilies are presented. The sagitta exhibit a specific morphology that is not found in other siluriform families; it is claviform with a tapered posterior region and a flared anterior one. In the latter, central elevations are observed and the dorsal wings are continuous with lateral expansions named basal wings. Hypoptopomatinae and Loricariinae as well as Hypostominae and Ancistrinae can be grouped by two morphological patterns of the lapillus: An ovoid pattern, in which the lapillae are elongated in its supero-inferior axis and the mond hardly exceed the anterior edge of the otolith and, an oval pattern, where the lapillae are elongated in their antero-posterior axis and the mond always exceeds the anterior edge in an obvious way. The patterns proposed here could be diagnostic of certain subfamilies.(AU)

Los otolitos son tres pares de estructuras calcáreas que se encuentran en el oído interno de los peces óseos. En muchos casos ellos muestran una morfología específica para cada especie. El presente estudio describe las variaciones morfológicas de los otolitos, lapillus, asteriscus y sagitta, de once especies pertenecientes a cuatro subfamilias de loricáridos. Se presentan estructuras que caracterizan los otolitos de Loricariidae y a algunas de sus subfamilias. El sagitta exhibe una morfología específica que no se encuentra en otras familias siluriformes: es claviforme con una región posterior cónica y una anterior ensanchada. En esta última, se observan elevaciones centrales; las alas dorsales que se continuan con expansiones laterales denominadas alas basales. Hypoptopomatinae y Loricariinae, así como las subfamilias Hypostominae y Ancistrinae se pueden agrupar por dos patrones morfológicos de la lapillus: Un patrón de forma ovoide, en el que los lapillae son alargados en su eje superior-inferior y el mond difícilmente sobrepasa el borde anterior de los otolitos. El otro es un patrón oval, donde los lapillae son alargados en su eje antero-posterior y el mond siempre sobrepasa el borde anterior de una manera notoria. Los patrones propuestos aquí podrían ser diagnósticos de ciertas subfamilias.(AU)

Morphological variations of the three otoliths of some species of the family Loricariidae (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes)

Otoliths are three pairs of calcareous structures found in the inner ear of bony fish. In many cases they display a species-specific morphology. The present study describes morphological variations of otoliths, namely lapillus, asteriscus and sagitta, of eleven species belonging to four loricariid subfamilies. Otolith structures that characterize the Loricariidae and some of its subfamilies are presented. The sagitta exhibit a specific morphology that is not found in other siluriform families; it is claviform with a tapered posterior region and a flared anterior one. In the latter, central elevations are observed and the dorsal wings are continuous with lateral expansions named basal wings. Hypoptopomatinae and Loricariinae as well as Hypostominae and Ancistrinae can be grouped by two morphological patterns of the lapillus: An ovoid pattern, in which the lapillae are elongated in its supero-inferior axis and the mond hardly exceed the anterior edge of the otolith and, an oval pattern, where the lapillae are elongated in their antero-posterior axis and the mond always exceeds the anterior edge in an obvious way. The patterns proposed here could be diagnostic of certain subfamilies.(AU)

Los otolitos son tres pares de estructuras calcáreas que se encuentran en el oído interno de los peces óseos. En muchos casos ellos muestran una morfología específica para cada especie. El presente estudio describe las variaciones morfológicas de los otolitos, lapillus, asteriscus y sagitta, de once especies pertenecientes a cuatro subfamilias de loricáridos. Se presentan estructuras que caracterizan los otolitos de Loricariidae y a algunas de sus subfamilias. El sagitta exhibe una morfología específica que no se encuentra en otras familias siluriformes: es claviforme con una región posterior cónica y una anterior ensanchada. En esta última, se observan elevaciones centrales; las alas dorsales que se continuan con expansiones laterales denominadas alas basales. Hypoptopomatinae y Loricariinae, así como las subfamilias Hypostominae y Ancistrinae se pueden agrupar por dos patrones morfológicos de la lapillus: Un patrón de forma ovoide, en el que los lapillae son alargados en su eje superior-inferior y el mond difícilmente sobrepasa el borde anterior de los otolitos. El otro es un patrón oval, donde los lapillae son alargados en su eje antero-posterior y el mond siempre sobrepasa el borde anterior de una manera notoria. Los patrones propuestos aquí podrían ser diagnósticos de ciertas subfamilias.(AU)