Sagittal Otolith Morphology of Sharpsnout Seabream Diplodus puntazzo (Walbaum, 1792) in the Aegean Sea

Abstract

The morphology, biometry and shape indices of the left and right sagittal otoliths were studied for sharpsnout seabream, Diplodus puntazzo species from Aegean Sea. The shape, sulcus acusticus shape, proximal and distal surfaces, anterior and posterior regions of left and right sagittal otoliths for a total of 52 D. puntazzo were analyzed. The morphometric measurements such as weight, length, width, area and perimeter were recorded for each pair of sagittal otoliths of the sharpsnout seabream. The shape indices such as form factor, roundness, aspect ratio, circularity, rectangularity, and ellipticity were calculated for left and right sagittal otoliths of D. puntazzo. The otolith width and ellipticity were significantly different (P < 0.05) for left and right sagittal otolith measurements and shape indices, respectively in D. puntazzo inhabiting the Aegean Sea. Morphological characteristics of fish otoliths were highly variable in species and populations; there was limited information on the sagittal otolith morphology and shape indices. The present study provided sufficient information of the sharpsnout seabream left and right otolith morphologies, biometry, and shape indices in the Aegean Sea, they may provide a useful tool for marine and freshwater species discrimination and identification in further investigations.