Abstract
Summary: The sagittae otolith morphology of marine fishes has been used in many ecomorphological studies to explain certain ecological adaptations of species to habitat. Our study compares the sagittal otolith shapes of ten species of snappers (Family Lutjanidae) inhabiting the Persian Gulf. We used a morphometric analysis of the otolith measurements (length, height, perimeter, area and weight) and of the ratio between the area of the sulcus acusticus and the area of the otolith (S:O). The otolith contour was also analysed using wavelets as a mathematical descriptor. Morphological variations in the otoliths were associated with the morphology and external colouration of snappers as well as ecological traits. An analysis of the interspecific S:O ratio suggested that the highest ratios occurred in snappers inhabiting shallower waters. A categorical multivariate analysis, including morphological, ecological and otolith size factors, showed that the species adapted to dim light conditions had a greater otolith perimeter. An analysis of variance of the otolith contour revealed zones with a higher interspecific variability, although only the antero-dorsal zone showed differing patterns. Although the otolith patterns appear to have a phylogenetic component, they might also be related to diel activity rhythms or to the light conditions in the habitat. The results of the study showed that variation in otolith morphology can be used to explain the coexistence of sympatric species.
Highlights
Sensory ecology acts as the interface between processes occurring within organisms and those occurring between organisms and their environment (Weissburg 2005)
Summary: The sagittae otolith morphology of marine fishes has been used in many ecomorphological studies to explain certain ecological adaptations of species to habitat
Morphological variations in the otoliths were associated with the morphology and external colouration of snappers as well as ecological traits
Summary
Sensory ecology acts as the interface between processes occurring within organisms and those occurring between organisms and their environment (Weissburg 2005). Fishes have a variety of sensory receptors that enable them to glean information from their surroundings (Atema et al 1988) Among these receptors, the inner ear is associated with balance and sound detection (Popper and Fay 1993, Popper and Lu 2000). Fishes with large otoliths produce sounds and show highly developed intraspecific acoustic communication (Luczkovich et al 1999, Holt 2002). These characteristics enable them to live in coastal and deep environments where visual and light communications are less important (Deng et al 2011, 2013). It has been reported that females can use the auditory sense to detect and locate vocalizing males during the breeding season and can change their hearing sensitivity depending on their reproductive status (e.g. Winn 1967, Sisneros and Bass 2003)
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