Analysis of Otolith Shape as a Tool for Discriminating Stocks of Cassava Croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis) in Beninese Waters

This study examined the right and left otoliths of 174 individuals of Pseudotolithus senegalensis from the Porto-Novo lagoon, Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic coast. The results show a significant variation in the population according to geographic location. Mixed-effects linear analysis showed no significant variation by site, side or sex (p > 0.05). Analysis of otolith shape using ANOVA showed significant differences for length, width and area (p 0.05). Canonical discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between sites (p < 0.05). Finally, shape analyses showed significant differences between sites (p = 0.0001) and between right and left sides (p = 0.007), but no difference by sex (p = 0.395). The study of otolith morphology is therefore proving to be a valuable tool for differentiating stocks and understanding ecological variations.

Otolith microchemical evidence revealing multiple spawning site origination of the anadromous tapertail anchovy(Coilia nasus)in the Changjiang(Yangtze)River Estuary

The estuarine tapertail anchovy(Coilia nasus)is a high-value commercial fish.Estimating the spawning site or hatchery origin and habitat is essential for its conservation.This study aimed to determine the habitat use and life history characteristics of C.nasus from the Changjiang River Estuary.We investigated the environmental signatures of strontium(Sr)and calcium(Ca)in the otoliths of the collected specimens using electron probe microanalysis;additionally,we examined their gonadal maturity stage.Our results indicate that the 31 adult C.nasus specimens used in this study could be classified into two types based on their otolith Sr:Ca concentration ratios and their gonadal maturity stage.The long freshwater early life history type(Type LF)had wider central region in the otolith with low Sr:Ca concentration ratios ranging from 1.24±0.62 to 1.92±0.78 and a bluish pattern of low Sr content level.These fish are of riverine origin and had a relatively long early life history in freshwater and low gonadal maturation when captured.The short freshwater early life history type(Type SF)had a shorter central region in the otolith with low Sr:Ca concentration ratios ranging from 1.35±0.5 to 2.82±0.97 and a correspondingly bluish pattern.These fish also had a relatively short-term early life history in freshwater and high gonadal maturation when captured.The results of the otolith microchemical analysis indicated that Type LF and Type SF originated in spawning/hatching sites far from and close to the estuary,respectively.The mature gonads of Type SF fish indicated that they may breed in areas close to the estuary,whereas the immature gonads of Type LF fish indicated that they may breed in areas far from the estuary.This study is the first to reveal that the Changjiang River Estuary contains stocks of anadromous C.nasus originating in different spawning sites during the same season.The estuarine habitat plays a critical role in the connectivity between freshwater recruitment and the marine resources available to adult spawners of this commercially valued species.From a conservation perspective,this study provides important information for identifying anadromous C.nasus stocks originating in different spawning sites in the Changjiang River Basin.

Early life history traits of chub mackerel Scomber japonicus in the Oyashio water revealed by otolith microstructure

Information on survival and growth during the early life stage is essential to understand the mechanism of interannual variations in fish recruitment.Chub mackerel Scomber japonicus is a commercially important pelagic fish widely distributed in the northwestern Pacific.Its catch showed large fluctuations with changes in distribution and migration under climate change and strong fishing.We determined the hatch dates and growth rates of young-of-the-year of chub mackerel through otolith microstructure using samples collected in the Oyashio water in autumn 2018.Results show that the ages of young chub mackerel ranged between 120 and 180 d,and the estimated hatch date lasted from midJanuary to late May with a peak from mid-March to mid-April.Average otolith daily increment width during the early life stages(from hatching to 25 d)showed an increasing trend.Chub mackerel grows slowly in the first 10 d,and then grows faster during the 10thto 25thd.Three groups with dissimilar growth histories and migration routes were identified using unsupervised random forest clustering analysis,but all eventually converge on the same nursery ground.The faster growth of young-of-the-year chub mackerel leads to better recruitment due to the hypothesis of growth-dependent mortality.Most chub mackerels hatched in March and April,the spawning period is longer and earlier,which could lead to strong year classes.These findings on population composition and life history traits of young-of-the-year of chub mackerel provide valuable information on its recruitment processes during the period of stock recovery.

Eye Movements Induced by Stimulation to the Otolith Organs

Background: We have been performing a canalith repositioning procedure for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. When we adopted the Epley maneuver for posterior semicircular canal type, and affected-ear-up 90° maneuver for lateral semicircular canal type, we noticed that no nystagmus occurred in the sitting position just after treatment. Despite direct excitation to the utricle by the pathological debris, none of the subjects complained of dizziness. Thus, we hypothesized that nystagmus and dizziness do not occur by stimulation of the otolith organs. Objective: The aim of the study was to observe and record the eye movements induced by the otolith organs to confirm our hypothesis. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy humans were tested. In the sitting position, the head was tilted to the right ear by 45° and vice versa. Afterward, the head was bent forward by 90° (nose-down), and the subject’s seat was reclined to the head-hanging position. Each position was kept for five seconds. We interviewed the subjects to assess their dizziness. Results: None of the subjects showed nystagmus and complained of dizziness in every position. Conclusions: Nystagmus does not occur by the stimulation to the otolith organs;therefore, ocular counter-rolling is a semicircular canal ocular reflex.

Otolith development in larval and juvenile Schizothorax davidi： ontogeny and growth increment characteristics

Laboratory-reared Schizothorax davidi larvae and juveniles were examined to assess the formation and characteristics of David’s schizothoracin otoliths.Otolith development was observed and their formation period was verifi ed by monitoring larvae and juveniles of knownage.The results revealed that lapilli and sagittae developed before hatching,and the first otolith increment was identified at 2 days post hatching in both.The shape of lapilli was relatively stable during development compared with that of sagittae;however,growth of four sagittae and lapilli areas was consistent,but the posterior area grew faster than the anterior area and the ventral surface grew faster than the dorsal surface.Similarly,the sum length of the radius of the anterior and posterior areas on sagittae and lapilli were linearly and binomially related to total fish length,respectively.Moreover,daily deposition rates were validated by monitoring knownage larvae and juveniles.The increase in lapilli width was 1.88±0.080 0μm at the ninth increment,which reached a maximum and the decreased gradually toward the otolith edge,whereas that of sagittae increased more slowly.These results illustrate the developmental biology of S.davidi,which will aid in population conservation and fish stock management.

Otolith Shape Analysis as a Tool to Identify Two Pacific Saury(Cololabis saira) Groups from a Mixed Stock in the High-Seas Fishing Ground

The Pacific saury Cololabis saira is a commercially important pelagic species with wide distribution in the North Pacific Ocean. Previous studies identified two geographical groups by comparing the radius of otolith annual rings(ROA) of the fish collected during the pre-fishing season. Moreover, understanding the group composition in the mixed catch from the fishing ground is essential for sustainable exploitation of this species. Using samples collected during the fishing season(July–November) from 2016 to 2018, the potential of applying otolith shape analysis as a tool to identify these two mixed groups was tested in this research. Two otolith morphotypes that belong to the eastern group and western group were identified by K-means cluster analysis using Fourier coefficients and ROA. The high classification success of random forest further confirmed the effectiveness of otolith shape analysis. The western group accounted for the majority of catch in July and August at 160?E. With the passing of sampling time and fishing fleets moving westward, the proportion of eastern group gradually increased and finally reached more than 60% of the whole catch in November at 150°E. This result suggests that the eastern and western groups are well mixed during spawning migration. In addition, the temporal and spatial dynamics of their catch composition provide information for their migration route. This study is helpful for improving fisheries management and understanding the short-term stock fluctuation of Pacific saury.

Unravelling habitat use of Coilia nasus from the Rokkaku River and Chikugo River estuaries of Japan by otolith strontium and calcium

The migratory history of the engraulid fish Coilia nasus in the Rokkaku and Chikugo River estuaries of the Ariake Sea, Japan was assessed using otolith strontium（Sr） X-ray intensity maps and strontium：calcium（Sr：Ca） ratio life history transects by an electron probe microanalyzer（EPMA）. The results showed that seven of the ten specimens from the Rokkaku River Estuary（LJC） and all 15 specimens collected in the Chikugo River Estuary（ZHC） had low Sr：Ca ratios（≤3） at the central otolith area, indicating their riverine origin and initial freshwater residence. After the first regime shift adjacent to natal regions, the Sr level mapping displayed a wide variety of color patterns, and the Sr：Ca ratios obtained by the line transect analysis could be divided into one to six significantly different phases indicative of gradual life history transition. The other three specimens from the Rokkaku River Estuary had high Sr：Ca ratios（3–6.7） at the central otolith area but showed alternating changes between low and high values outside the natal region, suggesting that estuarine-origin individuals occurred in the Rokkaku River Estuary. The two-dimensional maps of the Sr level and average of the otolith Sr：Ca ratios along the life-history transects could be used as effective tools for reconstruction of past habitat use of the tapertail anchovy in estuaries of the Ariake Sea, Japan.

Age and Growth of Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) in the East China and Yellow Seas Using Sectioned Otolith Samples

Although chub mackerel （Scomberjaponicus） is a primary pelagic fish species, we have only limited knowledge on its key life history processes. The present work studied the age and growth of chub mackerel in the East China and Yellow Seas. Age was determined by interpreting and counting growth rings on the sagitta otoliths of 252 adult fish caught by the Chinese commercial purse seine fleet during the period from November 2006 to January 2007 and 150 juveniles from bottom trawl surveys on the spawning ground in May 2006. The difference between the assumed birth date of 1st April and date of capture was used to adjust the age determined from counting the number of complete translucent rings. The parameters of three commonly used growth models, the von Bertalanffy, Logistic and Gompertz models, were estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Based on the Akaike Information Criterion （AIC）, the yon Bertalanffy growth model was found to be the most appropriate model. The size-at-age and size-at-maturity values were also found to decrease greatly compared with the results achieved in the 1950s, which was caused by heavy exploitation over the last few decades.

Analyses of egg size,otolith shape,and growth revealed two components of small yellow croaker in Haizhou Bay spawning stock

The geographical variations in life history characteristics of small yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis, caused by experienced different environmental conditions, have been observed in China seas. Previous studies based on spatial distribution, migration route, and body morphometrics suggested a complex stock structure. In this study, to clarify the source of a spawning stock, we investigated the reproduction strategy and inter-structure of the Haizhou Bay (HZB) spawning stock in the middle Yellow Sea from both egg survey and adult otolith increment analysis. Egg and adult samples were collected from three surveys during spawning season in 2013. Distinct spatial and temporal variations were detected in egg distribution and size, and otolith shape analysis of adult fishes revealed two morphotypes with different increment growth using random forest cluster. The results indicate the existence of two components within the same spawning stock in HZB from different wintering grounds, and accordingly special protection should be required for this stock given the significance to maintain connectivity between adjacent subpopulations.

Stable isotopic composition of otoliths in identification of stock structure of small yellow croaker(Larimichthys polyactis) in China

Oxygen and carbon isotope ratios（δ^（18）O and δ^（13）C） in otoliths were used to identify the stock structure of small yellow croaker,Larimichthys polyactis.Otoliths were collected from fish at five locations across the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea representing most of their distributional range and fisheries areas.The significant differences in the isotopic signatures showed that the five locations could be chemically distinguished and clearly separated,indicating stock subdivision.Correlation of δ^（18）O and δ^（13）C values suggested that population of L.polyactis could be divided into the Bohai Sea group,the southern Yellow Sea group and the central Yellow Sea group.Discriminant analysis of δ^（18）O and δ^（13）C values demonstrated a high significant difference with 85.7% classification accuracy.The spatial separation of L.polyactis indicated a complex stock structure across the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea.These results indicate that optimal fisheries management may require a comprehensive consideration on the current spatial arrangements.This study has provided further evidence that measurement of the stable isotopes ratios in otolith can be a valuable tool in the delineation of fishery management units.

Stock discrimination of spottedtail goby (Synechogobius ommaturus) in the Yellow Sea by analysis of otolith shape

Otolith shape is species specific and is an ideal marker of fish population affiliation. In this study, otolith shape of spottedtail goby Synechogobius ommaturus is used to identify stocks in different spawning locations in the Yellow Sea. The main objectives of this study are to explore the potential existence of local stocks of spottedtail goby in the Yellow Sea by analysis of otolith shape, and to investigate ambient impacts on otolith shape. Spottedtail goby was sampled in five locations in the Yellow Sea in 2007 and 2008. Otoliths are described using variables correlated to size (otolith area, perimeter, length, width, and weight) and shape (rectangularity, circularity, and 20 Fourier harmonics). Only standardized otolith variables are used so that the effect of otolith size on the shape variables could be eliminated. There is no significant difference among variables of sex, year, and side (left and right). However, the otolith shapes of the spring stocks and the autumn stocks differ significantly. Otolith shape differences are greater among locations than between years. Correct classification rate of spottedtail goby with the otolith shape at different sampling locations range from 29.7%–77.4%.

Using otolith weight to predict the age of Pennahia macrocephalus in the mouth of the Beibu Gulf

The relation between otolith weight (OW) and the age of marine fish is studied. A total of 222 individuals of bighead white croaker, Pennahia macrocephalus were sampled seasonally in the mouth of the Beibu Gulf, the South China Sea, in 2007. Since there are no significant differences in sagittal OW between otolith in pairs (P≥0.05), the undamaged left sagittal otolith is used for age determination. The highest correlations among standard length, OW and fish ages are confirmed by linear, exponential and multinomial regression. Results show that sagittal OW overlaps only occasionally among age groups, and to individuals with similar standard length, the older and slower-growing fish has a heavier otolith because of the continued otolith material deposition. There are differences in sagittal OW among different age groups and significant positive linear relationship with age (P<0.05). The age readings can be verified by plotting the sagittal OW versus the standard length for age groups, and the individuals with similar standard length but in different ages can be separated by sagittal OW frequency analysis. Mostly, the predicted ages using the regression between sagittal OW and ages are closed to the observed ages by counting annulus on scale. It indicates that the sagittal OW analysis is a useful technique for validating the accuracy of age determination by annuli counts, especially for individuals of similar size. Furthermore, the technique is applied for Pennahia macrocephalus with discussion in this paper.

Application of otolith shape analysis for stock discrimination and species identification of five goby species(Perciformes: Gobiidae) in the northern Chinese coastal waters

We tested the use of otolith shape analysis to discriminate between species and stocks of five goby species( Ctenotrypauchen chinensis, Odontamblyopus lacepedii, Amblychaeturichthys hexanema, Chaeturichthys stigmatias, and Acanthogobius hasta) found in northern Chinese coastal waters. The five species were well differentiated with high overall classification success using shape indices(83.7%), elliptic Fourier coefficients(98.6%), or the combination of both methods(94.9%). However, shape analysis alone was only moderately successful at discriminating among the four stocks(Liaodong Bay, LD; Bohai Bay, BH; Huanghe(Yellow) River estuary HRE, and Jiaozhou Bay, JZ stocks) of A. hasta(50%–54%) and C. stigmatias(65.7%–75.8%). For these two species, shape analysis was moderately successful at discriminating the HRE or JZ stocks from other stocks, but failed to effectively identify the LD and BH stocks. A large number of otoliths were misclassified between the HRE and JZ stocks, which are geographically well separated. The classification success for stock discrimination was higher using elliptic Fourier coefficients alone(70.2%) or in combination with shape indices(75.8%) than using only shape indices(65.7%) in C. stigmatias whereas there was little difference among the three methods for A. hasta. Our results supported the common belief that otolith shape analysis is generally more effective for interspecific identification than intraspecific discrimination. Moreover, compared with shape indices analysis, Fourier analysis improves classification success during inter- and intra-species discrimination by otolith shape analysis, although this did not necessarily always occur in all fish species.

Otolith chemical signatures of spottedtail goby Synechogobius ommaturus in coastal waters of China

This study explores the potential existence of local stocks of Synechogobius ommaturus using otolith chemical signatures. The concentrations of 10 elements （K, Ca, Na, Mg, St, Pb, Ba, Mn, Co, Zn） in the otoliths from eight stocks （Dandong, Dalian, Tianjin, Dongying, Weihai, Qingdao, Ganyu and Xiamen） ofS. ommaturus were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and regressed against otolith weight. No significant correlation between otolith weight and concentrations of Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Co, Ba, Zn and Pb were observed. Concentrations of K and Mn were correlated with otolith weight. Consequently, the residuals of the regressions were used instead of the original concentrations in subsequent analyses. Analysis of variance （ANOVA） showed no significant difference between males and females in otolith chemical signatures. Differences were found among the locations for K, Sr, Mn, Co, Ba, Pb, but not for Ca, Na, Mg and Zn. Residuals of the regressions of elemental concentrations against otolith weight that fitted the normal distribution and homogeneity were studied by discriminant analysis. The success of the discriminant function to predict the location of S. ommaturus capture ranged from 100% for Weihai and Xiamen stocks, to only 44.4% and 62.5% for Qingdao and Dandong stocks, respectively. The average prediction success was 80.3%.

The prevalence of isolated otolith dysfunction in a local tertiary hospital

Objective:Patients with dizziness may present with symptoms of tilting,swaying,rocking,floating or with disequilibrium.This may be suggestive of an isolated otolithic dysfunction yet,there is little emphasis on this emerging clinical entity.To characterize and describe the prevalence of isolated otolith dysfunction in a local tertiary hospital and correlate them with clinical diagnosis.Methodology:Retrospective medical chart review of patients who presented with dizziness to the specialist outpatient Otolaryngology clinic,who required vestibular laboratory investigation.Results:Of the 206 patients,more than half of them(52.4%)fulfilled the criteria for either probable or definite isolated otolith dysfunction.When there are clinical symptoms of otolith dysfunction reported,there is a 1.62 odds of a remarkable laboratory otolith finding.The most common clinical finding was“no clear diagnosis”(65.5%)followed by Vestibular Migraine(13.6%).Conclusion:The prevalence of isolated otolith dysfunction is quite high.Laboratory tests of otolith function should be performed more routinely.This can be done in a sequential way to optimize cost effectiveness in countries with no insurance reimbursement.Prospective cohort studies on isolated otolith dysfunction,will lay the groundwork for achieving diagnostic consensus and formulating rehabilitation plans to aid this group of patients。

Otolithic organ function in patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss

Profound sensorineural hearing loss (PSHL) is not uncommonly encountered in otology. In clinics, there is a high incidence of otolithic damage in patients with PSHL, but relevant reports are few. Sharing a continuous membranous structure and similar receptor cell ultrastructures, the cochlea and vestibule may be susceptible to the same harmful factors. Disorders of the inner ear may result in a variety of manifestations, including vertigo, spatial disorientation, blurred vision, impaired articulation, and hearing impairment. Considering the diversity of clinical symptoms associated with PSHL with otolithic dysfunction, it may be frequently misdiagnosed, and objective means of testing the function of otolithic organs should be recommended for hearing-impaired patients. Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) via air-conducted sound are of great importance for the diagnosis of otolithic function. Hearing devices such as cochlear implants are commonly accepted treatments for PSHL, and early identification and treatment of vestibular disorders may increase the success rate of cochlear implantation. Therefore, it is necessary to increase awareness of otolithic functional states in patients with PSHL.

Use of Otolith Shape for the Identification of Trumpeter Sillago (Sillago maculata) and Silver Sillago(Sillago sihama)

Otolith shape is species-specific in fish.In this study,161 samples of Trumpeter sillago Sillago maculata and 164 of Silver sillago Sillago sihama were collected from Beibu Gulf in July 2009.The main objective of this study was to use morphological variables and Fourier harmonics to describe otolith characteristics and use discriminant analyses to separate the two species.Otoliths were measured by traditional one and two dimensional measures(otolith length,width,diameters,area,perimeter,rectangularity and circularity),as well as by Fourier analysis to capture the finer regions of the otolith.Analysis of covariance(ANCOVA) showed that there was significant correlation between morphological variables(diameter,perimeter,otolith length,otolith width,otolith area,density,harmonics 3,harmonics 4,harmonics 5,harmonics 13,harmonics 15,and harmonics 16) and body length.To minimize size effects on the morphological variables between species,only fish with a body length between 90 and 140 mm were included in the data analysis and the variables which had significant relation with body length were transformed using the residual.The result showed that the accuracy of discriminant analysis was 97.8% and 100% for Trumpeter sillago and Silver sillago,respectively.This high accuracy indicated that otolith shape was described accurately by morphological variables and Fourier harmonics,and discriminant analysis was an effective way to identify and separate the two species.

Otolith shape analysis for stock discrimination of two Collichthys genus croaker(Pieces:Sciaenidae,)from the northern Chinese coast

The otolith morphology of two croaker species(C ollichthys lucidus and C ollichthys niveatus) from three areas(Liaodong Bay, LD; Huanghe(Yellow) River estuary, HRE; Jiaozhou Bay, JZ) along the northern Chinese coast were investigated for species identifi cation and stock discrimination. The otolith contour shape described by elliptic Fourier coefficients(EFC) were analysed using principal components analysis(PCA) and stepwise canonical discriminant analysis(CDA) to identify species and stocks. The two species were well dif ferentiated, with an overall classifi cation success rate of 97.8%. And variations in the otolith shapes were significant enough to discriminate among the three geographical samples of C. lucidus(67.7%) or C. niveatus(65.2%). Relatively high mis-assignment occurred between the geographically adjacent LD and HRE samples, which implied that individual mixing may exist between the two samples. This study yielded information complementary to that derived from genetic studies and provided information for assessing the stock structure of C. lucidus and C. niveatus in the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea.

Identification of five Pampus species from the coast of China based on sagittal otolith morphology analysis

Sagittal otoliths morphology were compared to identify five Pampus species of the Chinese coast（Chinese pomfret Pampus chinensis, grey pomfret P. cinereus, southern lesser pomfret P. minor, plumage pomfret P.punctatissmus, and Pampus sp.）. Otoliths demonstrated species-specific characteristics with noticeable differences in overall shape, margin and anterior region among species. With species divergence, otoliths get thinner following further developed rostrum and anti-rostrum. Interspecies variation in otolith could associate with experienced different temperature and water column. The discriminant analysis presented a high classification accuracy of 96.6%, which confirms the inter-specific distinction of otolith shape and enable the species identification.

Comparison of otolith shape descriptors and morphometrics for stock discrimination of yellow croaker along the Chinese coast

T his study compared and evaluated the efficiency of two otolith shape descriptors(i.e., the elliptic Fourier transform(EFT) and discrete wavelet transform(DWT)) and morphometrics for stock discrimination. To accomplish this, sample fish from three stocks of yellow croaker L arimichthys polyactis along the Chinese coast(LDB stock from the Liaodong Bay of the Bohai Sea, JZB stock from the Jiaozhou Bay of the Yellow Sea and CJE stock from the Changjiang River estuary of the East China Sea) were used for otolith morphology analyses. The results showed that morphometrics produced an overall classification success rate of 70.8% in contrast with success rates of 80.0% or 82.0% obtained using EFT or DWT, respectively. This suggests that the two shape descriptors comparably discriminated among the stocks and performed more efficiently than morphometrics. During data adjustment and acquisition, some size variables were excluded from the subsequent discriminant analysis for stock discrimination because they were statistically "inef fective," which could reduce the efficiency of morphometrics and lead to relatively low overall classification success. Both EFT and DWT retain the contour coefficients and thus provide a detailed description of otolith shape, which could improve discriminatory efficiency compared with morphometrics.