Editorial Type:
Diagnostic Imaging

Comparison of direct versus radiographic measurement of sagittal otoliths in cadavers of bogue (Boops boops)

Francesco Macrì Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.

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Teresa Bottari Institute for Coastal Marine Environment (IAMC) National Research Council (CNR), Spianata S. Raineri, 86–98122 Messina, Italy.

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Rossella Bonfiglio Department of Animal Biology and Marine Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Messina, Salita Sperone, 31–98166 Messina, Italy.

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Giuseppe Rapisarda Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.

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Fabio Marino Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.73.2.233
Volume/Issue:
Volume 73: Issue 2
Online Publication Date:
01 Feb 2012
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Abstract

Objective—To validate the use of radiography to determine the length of sagittal otoliths in intact bogue (Boops boops; a sparid fish [commonly called sea bream]).

Sample—52 bogue cadavers.

Procedures—Weight and standard lengths (from the tip of the snout to the caudal end of the last vertebra) of fish were measured. The radiographic beam was centered over the postorbital area, and images were obtained via ventrodorsal, 30° right dorsal–left ventral oblique, and 30° left dorsal–right ventral oblique projections. Otoliths were removed from the fish; sagittae were measured directly and on radiographic images by use of a vernier caliper. The relationship between direct and radiographic measurements of sagittal otoliths was calculated.

Results—Paired sagittal, lapillus, and asteriscus otoliths were identified. Sagittal otoliths were comma-shaped on ventrodorsal projections; in oblique projections, they appeared ovoid and pairs of otoliths were located in the same dorsal plane. Radiographic length of sagittal otoliths was significantly correlated with directly measured length, and radiographic measurements were not significantly different between ventrodorsal and oblique radiographic projections.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Radiographic examination of sagittae was useful to determine the length of sagittal otoliths and, consequently, the fish length. In ecological applications, the radiographic measurement of sagittal otolith length may be useful for studies on the aquatic diet of organisms (fish, pinnipeds, and marine birds) because it allows for quick back-calculation to the size of prey.

Abstract

Objective—To validate the use of radiography to determine the length of sagittal otoliths in intact bogue (Boops boops; a sparid fish [commonly called sea bream]).

Sample—52 bogue cadavers.

Procedures—Weight and standard lengths (from the tip of the snout to the caudal end of the last vertebra) of fish were measured. The radiographic beam was centered over the postorbital area, and images were obtained via ventrodorsal, 30° right dorsal–left ventral oblique, and 30° left dorsal–right ventral oblique projections. Otoliths were removed from the fish; sagittae were measured directly and on radiographic images by use of a vernier caliper. The relationship between direct and radiographic measurements of sagittal otoliths was calculated.

Results—Paired sagittal, lapillus, and asteriscus otoliths were identified. Sagittal otoliths were comma-shaped on ventrodorsal projections; in oblique projections, they appeared ovoid and pairs of otoliths were located in the same dorsal plane. Radiographic length of sagittal otoliths was significantly correlated with directly measured length, and radiographic measurements were not significantly different between ventrodorsal and oblique radiographic projections.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Radiographic examination of sagittae was useful to determine the length of sagittal otoliths and, consequently, the fish length. In ecological applications, the radiographic measurement of sagittal otolith length may be useful for studies on the aquatic diet of organisms (fish, pinnipeds, and marine birds) because it allows for quick back-calculation to the size of prey.

Contributor Notes

The authors thank Pietro Giorgianni, Daria Ruscica, Giuseppa Caristina, and Mauro Manganaro for technical assistance and Carmine Barrese for assistance with image processing.

Address correspondence to Dr. Macrì (framac@alice.it).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Feb 2012
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