Otolith microchemistry of the conger eel, Conger myriaster

Abstract

Elemental composition and ontogenic change patterns of Sr and Ca were examined in conger eel, Conger myriaster, otoliths. Accumulations of the major elements of seawater, K, Mg, and Na, into otoliths were smaller than the accumulations of 19 other minor elements whose concentrations were determined. Strontium content and Sr:Ca ratios in the otolith fluctuated during the life history transect at 100 to 200 μm from the core of the otolith, indicating a period of metamorphosis. Changes in Sr content and Sr:Ca ratios may be associated with internal physiological factors such as metamorphosis in the early developmental stage in the conger eel.