Age Assessment of White Bass from Otoliths, Dorsal Spines and Scales

Authors

Raj V. Kilambi, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Thoniot T. Prabhakaran, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Abstract

Otoliths, dorsal spines, and scales of 85 white bass collected in1987 from a pre-spawning group were used forage assessment. Agreement between spine and otolith ages were 78.3%, between scale and otolith ages was 68.2%. Unlike spine ages, percent agreement of scale ages with otolith ages decreased from small to large fish. Length-frequency analysis in conjunction with ages assessed by the three calcified structures showed that dorsal spines and scales underestimated white bass ages compared to the otoliths. Clarity of the otolith annuli, even of the older fish, makes them a reliable source for white bass age assessment.

Recommended Citation

Kilambi, Raj V. and Prabhakaran, Thoniot T. (1989) "Age Assessment of White Bass from Otoliths, Dorsal Spines and Scales," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 43, Article 14.

Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol43/iss1/14