Use of Calcareous Otic Elements (Statoliths) to Determine Age of Sea Lamprey Ammocoetes (Petromyzon marinus)

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Abstract
I examined the possibility that the number of internal bands in calcareous otic elements (statoliths) of sea lamprey ammocoetes (Petromyzon marinus) could be used to estimate age. The correspondence between statolith band number and known ammocoete age was very close for the first 4 yr but less rigorous for the few 7-yr-old specimens examined. This is the first use of calcareous otic elements to determine age in a nonteleost and represents the only direct age determination technique for lampreys. Compared with length–frequency analysis, this method will provide greater reliability of age determinations, essential for investigations on the life history and ecology of sea lampreys.

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