Ontogenetic changes in sagitta otoliths of whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Acanthuriformes: Sciaenidae) and its implication in acoustic communication

What is it about?

The whitemouth croacker, M.furnieri, is one of the main resources in the coastal trawl fisheries of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. However, it is particularly important in the Rio de la Plata estuary, being in the first places of landing volumes in Uruguay and Argentina. As a member of the Sciaenidae family, it produces sound, especially during the breeding season when it is concentrated within the estuary. This is the first work that analyzes the ontogenetic development of the otolith. This is achieved by means of biometric indices as well as highlighting the importance of changes detected in the shape of the sagitta otolith and their relationship with the characteristics of the sound.

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