Age determination and morphological study using otoliths in Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, ۱۷۵۸ in the Southern Caspian Sea

The relationships between sagitta otolith morphology and fish size were examined for common carp in the Southern Caspian Sea and also the aging of different length groups were determined. Statistical tests to examine correlation between left and right otoliths dimensions were carried out and no statistically significant difference between them was found. The biggest otolith had ۰.۰۳۲g weight belongs to an individual with BW= ۴۲۸g and FL=۳۶cm and the smallest otolith had ۰.۰۱۴g for a fish with BW=۲۲۰g and FL= ۲۶cm. Regression model relations to each otolith morphometric parameter to fish length are provided. Also, the aging of this species was done by sectioning of sagitta otolith and a high significant correlations was found between fish age and morphometric parameters of both body weight and fork length and also otolith weight and length. The maximum age was determined ۶+ years. The length-weight relationship was BW= ۰.۰۰۶ TL۳.۲۳۲ (r = ۰.۹۶۳). According to the morphometric relationships obtained, it was concluded that otolith length and weight are good indicators of fish body weight and fork length.

Keywords:

Sagitta otolith , Cyprinus carpio , age , Caspian Sea