Age determination with alcian blue staining technique for Lagocephalus sceleratus in Mersin Bay, Turkey, northeastern Mediterranean

Abstract

In this study, alcian blue staining technique was used to enhance the visibility of the band on vertebrae of Lagocephalus sceleratus from Mersin Bay, Turkey, Northeastern Mediterranean. A total of 77 L. sceleratus samples were captured by commercial purse seine nets at depths between 24 and 50 m from Mersin Bay (Turkey). The total length ranged from 8.9 to 78.4 cm and body weight varied between 7.59-4750 g for L. sceleratus. Age determinations were carried out using whole vertebrae. A total of 4 vertebrae from each specimen were read by two independent readers. All images were taken using a Leica S8APO brand microscope with a high resolution Leica Application suit (Las V4.8) software. Vertebral images were then enhanced using Adobe Photoshop CS2 to improve sharpness and clarity. Of all the 77 staining vertebrae were readable and aged by both readers, resulting in an IAPE of 7.8 %. The maximum age was found as 10+ years old.

Keywords

• Alcian blue staining
• growth ring
• Silver-cheeked toadfish
• Lagocephalus sceleratus
• northeastern Mediterranean Sea

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