Estimating the Age of Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma Macrolepidotum) Using Several Calcified Structures

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AUTHOR(S): Taco den Haas and Nicholas E. Mandrak

CITATION:

den Haas*, T. and N.E. Mandrak. 2004. Estimating the age of Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) using several calcified structures.

Poster presented at the 2004 Southern Ontario Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, February 21-22, Leslie M. Frost Centre, Dorset, Ontario.

ABSTRACT:

In general, fish can be aged using their calcified structures including scales, pectoral fin rays, otoliths, vertebra, or opercula. The use of the calcified structures for aging Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) had not been studied before in Canada, although related species such as White Sucker (Catostomus commersoni) have been studied. For the White Sucker, the use of scales of mature fish (approx. 5 yrs and older) were found to be inappropriate for ageing. Otoliths, vertebra, and opercula have been found suitable for age estimation of White Sucker. The purpose of this study was to determine which calcified structures of Shorthead Redhorse can be used for age estimation.

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