• Microscopic Characterization o...

*Result*: Microscopic Characterization of Otolith Abnormalities in Garfish Belone belone (Actinopterygii: Belonidae) from the Black Sea Using Light and SEM Microscopy.

Title:
Microscopic Characterization of Otolith Abnormalities in Garfish Belone belone (Actinopterygii: Belonidae) from the Black Sea Using Light and SEM Microscopy.
Authors:
Yedier S; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Türkiye., Bostanci D; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Türkiye., Türker D; Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Balıkesir University, Balıkesir 10020, Türkiye., Çayir Z; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Türkiye.
Source:
Microscopy and microanalysis : the official journal of Microscopy Society of America, Microbeam Analysis Society, Microscopical Society of Canada [Microsc Microanal] 2025 Nov 12; Vol. 31 (6).
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Language:
English
Journal Info:
Publisher: Oxford University Press Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9712707 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1435-8115 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 14319276 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Microsc Microanal Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Publication: 2023- : [Oxford] : Oxford University Press
Original Publication: New York, N.Y. : Springer-Verlag New York, 1997-
MeSH Terms:
Otolithic Membrane*/abnormalities , Otolithic Membrane*/ultrastructure , Otolithic Membrane*/pathology , Fishes*/abnormalities, Animals ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Black Sea ; Microscopy/methods
Contributed Indexing:
Keywords: biomineralization; crystal polymorphism; ear stone abnormalities; environmental stress; microscopic analysis
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20251121 Date Completed: 20251121 Latest Revision: 20251121
Update Code:
20260130
DOI:
10.1093/mam/ozaf108
PMID:
41269805
Database:
MEDLINE

*Further Information*

*In this study, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate morphological and structural characteristics of otoliths (ear stones) in garfish Belone belone individuals (n = 190) collected from the Kocaeli (n = 114) and Ordu (n = 76) coasts of the Black Sea. SEM analyses enabled high-resolution imaging of otolith surface microstructures and revealed clear morphological deviations in a subset of specimens. Otolith abnormalities were observed in nine individuals, with a regional frequency of 3.5% in Kocaeli and 6.58% in Ordu. While normal otoliths displayed consistent aragonite crystal patterns and elliptical morphology with defined mesial and lateral surfaces, abnormal otoliths showed irregular growth patterns, asymmetry, and disrupted surface architecture, particularly on the lateral surface. Morphometric measurements such as length, width, area, perimeter, and weight indicated significant differences between normal and abnormal otoliths (p < 0.05), especially in the Ordu samples. SEM provided detailed evidence of altered biomineralization in abnormal otoliths, suggesting possible environmental or developmental influences. These results highlight the utility of integrated microscopy techniques in identifying subtle structural anomalies and contribute to a deeper understanding of otolith formation and variability in marine teleosts. The combined use of SEM and light microscopy proves essential for comprehensive microstructural characterization in fish biomineral studies.
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*Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.*