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A Technique for Preparing Fin Rays and Spines for Age and Growth Analysis
Author(s) -
Koch Jeff D.,
Quist Michael C.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/m06-224.1
Subject(s) - fin , spine (molecular biology) , biology , fish fin , anatomy , computer science , fishery , materials science , fish <actinopterygii> , bioinformatics , composite material
Fin rays and spines are becoming more popular for age and growth analysis. A protocol for processing structures is first to mount the structure in epoxy, then to use a low‐speed saw or handsaw to section the structure, and finally to estimate age from the resulting section. Unfortunately, scientists are often unaware of efficient techniques for mounting structures for such analyses. We describe a simple technique for mounting fin rays and spines in epoxy in preparation for sectioning. The advantages of this method include minimal preparation time, low cost, and little or no damage to hard structures. We have used this technique extensively to estimate age from the fin rays and spines of shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, catostomids, cyprinids, and ictalurids; however, this technique is useful for any species for which fin rays or spines are used in age and growth analyses. In addition, the technique is not limited to fin rays and spines; it can also be used to prepare a variety of other structures, such as scutes, otoliths, and brachiostegal rays.