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. 2024 Mar;104(3):878-882.
doi: 10.1111/jfb.15601. Epub 2023 Nov 10.

Staining protocols affect use of otolith to estimate the demography of the damselfish sergeant major (Abudefduf vaigiensis)

Alexander L Rigg  1 , Clara Bellotto  1 , Ashley M Fowler  2 , David J Booth  1
Affiliations

Staining protocols affect use of otolith to estimate the demography of the damselfish sergeant major (Abudefduf vaigiensis)

Alexander L Rigg et al. J Fish Biol. 2024 Mar.

Abstract

This study assessed the otolith (sagittae, lapilli, and asterisci) increment deposition rate in the range-shifting damselfish, A. vaigiensis, using different concentrations of Alizain Red S and evaluated the impact of staining on increment width. Daily increment deposition was verified in all otolith types and presented clearer fluorescent markings in the lapilli and sagittae than the asterisci, with high stain concentration showing the best clarity. Higher stain concentrations were found to decrease increment width, suggesting care is needed when using stained otoliths as a proxy for growth for this species.

Keywords: Abudefduf vaigiensis; Alizarin Red S; climate change; growth; otolith validation; vagrant fish.

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References

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