Differences in Otolith Morphology between Oncorhynchus mykiss and Lepomis macrochirus.

Abstract

Rainbow trout (Oncorrhynus mykiss) are fish that typically live in cold, well oxygenated lakes and streams, whereas bluegills (Lepomis machrochius) are generalists that live in a wide range of water conditions. The differences in the living conditions of these two types of fish can be studied using stones, called otoliths, found in the inner ear of the fish. The purpose of this study was to examine the subsurface morphology of sagittal otoliths from O. mykiss and L. machrochius using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).