Abstract
Age analysis was carried out on 3739 angler-fish taken from the north Irish Sea between May 1983 and June 1985. A variety of ossified structures were examined, including fin rays, teeth, vertebrae and otoliths; the latter proving suitable for routine ageing. Validation of ageing was obtained from the observation of seasonal changes in otolith marginal growth, growth of young fish and following of an identified year class through the fishery. Derived growth rates agreed well with the temporal progression of length/frequency modes through time. Growth rates were calculated from length-at-age data and von Bertalanffy parameters fitted yielding the equation; L = 105.555 [1-exp (−0.1759 ( t−0.380))]. Growth in weight and weight/length relationships were also examined. The complex growth patterns of the otoliths are discussed in relation to feeding behaviour and difficulties in interpretation outlined. The results obtained are compared with other studies of Lophiid growth.
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