Intra- and interspecific variability among congeneric Pagellus otoliths

Abstract

Otolith features are useful tools for studying taxonomy, ecology, paleontology, and fish biology since they represent a permanent record of life history. Nevertheless, the functional morphology of otoliths remains an open research question that is useful to completely understand their eco-morphology. This study aims to deepen the knowledge of intra- and interspecific variation in sagitta morphology in three congeneric seabreams, to understand how such variability could be related to the lifestyles of each species. Therefore, the sagittae (n = 161) of 24 Pagellus bogaraveo, 24 Pagellus acarne, and 37 Pagellus erythrinus specimens, collected from the south Tyrrhenian Sea, were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and a stereomicroscope to assess morphometric features, variability between otolith pairs and the external crystalline structure the of sulcus acusticus. Statistical analysis demonstrated that, between the species, variability in sagittal otolith rostral length growth and sulcus acusticus features, correlated with increased fish total length and body weight. Moreover, slight differences between otolith pairs were detected in P. acarne and P. erythrinus (P < 0.05). The results confirm changes in otolith morphometry and morphology between different congeneric species and populations of the same species from different habitats.

Ontogenetic shift and feeding habits of the European hake (Merluccius merluccius L., 1758) in Central and Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea): A comparison between past and present data

“…Maybe, this great variety of feeding habits is due to its wide bathymetric distribution (Carpentieri et al, 2005 ; Cartes, Hidalgo, et al, 2009 ; Cartes, Maynou, et al, 2009 ; Cartes et al, 2004 ). Its opportunistic feeding behavior could also induce specimens to feed on trawl gears discard, represented by organisms killed or injured by this fishing activity, as reported by previous studies on other demersal predator species (D’Iglio, Albano, Famulari, et al, 2021 ; D’Iglio, Savoca, et al, 2021 ; Kaiser & Spencer, 1994 ).…”

Biological and Ecological Aspects of the Blackmouth Catshark (Galeus melastomus Rafinesque, 1810) in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea

“…Among Osteichthyes, the most relevant prey was C. maderensis. Overall, bioluminescent mesopelagic fishes, such as those of the family Myctophidae, were commonly detected, and also easily identified thanks to their peculiar saccular otolith shape [101,102]. Moreover, Clupeidae, Cuvier, 1816 species derived from the discard of fisheries-remains of S. pilchardus and S. aurita-were also often identified.…”

Multiscale analysis on otolith structural features reveals differences in ontogenesis and sex in Merluccius merluccius in the western Adriatic Sea

“…Undifferentiated or non-sexed fish showed inactive gonads. These fish are commonly referred to as juveniles [ 37 ] with less than 15 cm TL. Differentiated or sexed fish were 66 males (M) and 83 females (F) showing developed gonads and a body length greater than 15 cm TL.…”