Using different hard structures to estimate the age of deep-sea fishes: A case study of the Pacific flatnose, Antimora microlepis (Moridae, Gadiformes, Teleostei)

Abstract

Age was estimated for the Pacific flatnose Antimora microlepis using the operculum, vertebrae, otoliths, scales and pectoral finrays. Otoliths and vertebrae were the only structures that produced recognizable marks considered to be annuli. Annuli counts from these two structures were similar producing ages ranging from 5 to 35 years. These two hard structures may be useful to estimate the age of other deep-sea fishes.