Movement of water in fish otoliths

Abstract

The diffusion of small organic and inorganic solvent molecules and larger dye molecules into fish otoliths has long been utilized in clearing and staining otoliths to facilitate age estimation studies. This study quantifies the diffusivity of water into otoliths of Beryx splendens as a general analog of small molecule diffusivity in otoliths. The effects on the optical properties of otoliths of the diffusion of solvent and dye molecules into otoliths are also discussed.