Journal of Environmental Biology

Estimation of age and longevity of freshwater fish Salmophasia balookee from otoliths, scales and vertebrae

Suresh M. Kumbar* and Swapnali B. Lad

Department of Zoology, Arts, Commerce and Science College, Palus-416 310, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: smkumbar@rediffmail.com

Publication Data

Paper received:

18 July 2015

Revised received:

12 December 2015

Re-revised received:

25 January 2016

Accepted:

19 March 2016

Abstract

Age and longevity of freshwater fish Salmophasia balookee was assessed by comparing otoliths, scales and vertebrae ring counts. One to five growth rings consisting of growth zones and lines of arrested growth (LAGs) were noticed in different body sized fishes. Out of 134 fish, 9 (6.97%) fish were in the first year growth, 31 (23.13%) in second year, 59 (44.03%) in third year, 27 (20.15%) in fourth year and 5 (5.97%) fish in the fifth year growth. Comparative study showed that scale ring counts (SRC) was under estimated the age as compared to the otolith ring counts (ORC) and vertebrae ring counts (VRC). The percent agreement between otolith and scale ages were 88.81% and otolith and vertebrae ages was 99.25%. The results of the present study indicate that otoliths and vertebrae are most suitable aging materials as compared to scales in S. balookee.

Key words

Age validation, Longevity, Salmophasia balookee

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