Population structure and life history of orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) in the SW Pacific: inferences from otolith chemistry

We examined site differences in the elemental composition of the primordium and ontogenetic variability of Sr in otoliths of fish from Australia and New Zealand and, as an out-group, the North Atlantic. Differences among sites in primordium composition are slight, but significant for all five elements assayed (Sr, Pb, Cu, Zn and Hg), but principally reflect differences between the North Atlantic and SW Pacific specimens, do not replicate for independent samples in the SW Pacific and constitute a poor “natural tag” in roughy, with <25% of fish successfully assigned to source location. However, mean Sr weight-fractions at the primordium showed similar latitudinal variation across sites in Australia, New Zealand and the Tasman Sea, indicating both spatially structured populations and a common structuring process across the region. Comparisons of ontogenetic variability of Sr in otoliths from juveniles and young adults within and between sites in the SW Pacific strongly support the hypothesis that variability in this element is site-specific and environmentally sensitive, although the environmental factors involved are not obvious. The otolith analysis confirms previous suggestions that juvenile and adult Hoplostethus atlanticus are relatively sedentary, but also indicates that the population sub-structuring by age within sites is more complex and there are likely to be more spawning areas in Australian waters than previously thought. More broadly, although single point analysis of otolith composition at the primordium resolves a population structure in roughy, alone it is not precise enough to test hypotheses about the processes causing this structure. Ontogenetic variability in Sr provides better resolution of spatial structure, even in a relatively homogenous marine environment like the deep ocean, and also provides insight into behavioural and ecological factors. Ontogenetic analyses of Sr in otoliths are expensive to obtain, require more effort in specimen preparation than single point analyses, and are difficult to compare statistically, but the increased information they yield warrants their broader consideration in marine species.     

Otolith age validation and growth-rate variation in flyingfish (Hirundichthys affinis) from the eastern Caribbean

A study of otolith aging and growth-rate variation in the flyingfish Hirundichthys affinis (Günther) was conducted in the eastern Caribbean (10–16°N; 58–62°W) in 1987–1989. Daily otolith-increment formation was validated in laboratory-reared larvae, confirming the usefulness of otolith-increment counts for age determination of H. affinis juveniles (<150 mm fork length, FL). A mark-recapture programme to validate increment formation in wild adults was unsuccessful due to tetracycline-linked mortality and insufficient tetracycline uptake in slow-growing adult otoliths. A von Bertalanffy growth curve fitted to juvenile size-at-age data gave preliminary growth-curve parameters of t ₀=2.85 d and k=0.00854 on a daily basis, with an asymptotic length, L, of 245 mm FL, for eastern Caribbean flyingfish. Juvenile growth rate in H. affinis is sensitive to spatial and temporal variation in temperature. Growth rates were higher where sea-surface temperatures were higher, and were higher for juveniles hatched in warmer months (April–July) than in colder months (November–March). Growth rates were also higher near islands than at more oceanic locations. Variation in juvenile growth rates may influence the spatial and temporal variation in spawning frequency observed in H. affinis.     

Distribution and abundance of juvenile Loligo gahi in Falkland Island waters

Four research surveys of Falkland Island waters were carried out to determine the distribution and abundance of the early life-history stages of Loligo gahi (d'Orbigny, 1835) in the austral winter of 1988 and the austral springs of 1990, 1991 and 1992. Juveniles were caught during three of the four surveys in both Bongo nets and an RMT8 net. In each case, greatest numbers were consistently caught in waters of 100 m to the south and east of East Falkland. The use of an opening/closing net in 1992 showed that most L. gahi juveniles aggregate close to the sea floor and are more available to the sampling gear by night than by day. Limited temperature data for the 1991 and 1992 surveys suggest that distribution on the coastal shelf may be associated with water-column structure. In 1992 when temperature data implied a mixed water column, juveniles were caught in deeper water than in 1991 when the water column was stratified. The results suggest that the spawning grounds of L. gahi are probably situated to the south and east of the Falkland Islands, at least for squid hatched in the austral winter/spring.     

Elevated manganese concentrations at the cores of clupeid otoliths: possible environmental,physiological, or structural origins

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to investigate the distribution of manganese (Mn) in Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus L.) otoliths. An unusual pattern of Mn concentration, which has not previously been reported in fish otoliths, was observed. Time-resolved plots (time roughly equivalent to ablation depth) of the Mn signal recorded in the ICP-MS detector during ablation of otoliths contained a distinct peak, suggesting that elevated Mn concentrations were specific to certain regions. Ablation inside and outside of the otolith core revealed that the region of high Mn concentration coincided with the ablation of the core. It was initially suggested that Mn from the gravel substrate on which herring eggs are incubated is incorporated into the otolith core, producing elevated Mn concentrations in this region. It was hypothesised that otoliths from fish whose eggs are not incubated in gravel will not contain high Mn concentrations at the core. To test this, otoliths of sprat (Sprattus sprattus), which have a pelagic embryological stage, and from reared herring, which were incubated on glass plates, were analysed using LA-ICP-MS. Peaks in the Mn signal were observed during the ablation of cores from some sprat and reared herring otoliths, indicating that incubation on a gravel substrate is not necessary for the accumulation of Mn at the otolith core and that otoliths from both pelagic and demersally spawning fish species can contain elevated Mn concentrations. The results suggest that Mn concentrations at the otolith core do not reflect the external environment of the developing embryo. Two other hypotheses are considered. A dramatic increase in Mn concentrations in the egg, associated with embryological development, may produce elevated Mn levels at the otolith core. Alternatively, the high levels of Mn observed at the otolith core may reflect spatial variation in the crystal structure of the calcium carbonate portion of the otolith. The possible influence of physiological or structural factors on the chemical composition of the otolith core may confound the environmental signal in this region of the otolith. This has important implications for the interpretation of otolith chemistry data.Communicated by J.P. Thorpe, Port Erin     

Reproduction of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Ophiactis resiliens</Emphasis> (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) in New South Wales with observations on recruitment

Reproduction of the ophiuroid Ophiactis resiliens Lyman 1879, a common species in the shallow waters around Australia, was examined over 1 year in two populations near Sydney, New South Wales. Gametogenesis was documented by histological examination of the gonads. Vitellogenesis in females and spermatocyte proliferation in males started in February and March. O. resiliens had an annual spawning period from May to September/October with peak gamete release from May to July. Thereafter, spawning occurred in some specimens through November. Gravid gonads were present for approximately 2 months longer in O. resiliens from Clovelly Bay than in those from Little Bay. At both sites spawning was episodic and gametogenesis continued through most of the spawning season. Most specimens (50–100%) collected from November to March had indeterminate/recovery stage gonads, the sex of which, could not be determined. The timing of gametogenic renewal during these months varied among individuals. O. resiliens has a 3-month planktonic stage and the presence of juveniles, 0.5 –1.5 mm disk diameter, in the coralline algal turf at Little Bay from February to May, suggests that settlement occurs in summer and autumn at this site. In contrast, juveniles were rarely encountered in coralline turf at Clovelly.     

Contrasts between spawning times of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla</Emphasis> species estimated from larval sampling at sea and from otolith analysis of recruiting glass eels

This study reviewed literature on spawning times for three north temperate species of anguillid eels estimated by sampling for small leptocephali (larvae) at sea and for several temperate and tropical species by back-calculating from putative daily ages derived from otolith increment analysis of glass eels that recruited to coastal waters. Estimates from otoliths of European eels, Anguilla anguilla, American eels, Anguilla rostrata, and Japanese eels, Anguilla japonica, imply much more protracted spawning seasons than are indicated by sampling at sea during various times of year. European eels are inferred to spawn year-round from otolith analysis, but the smallest, recently hatched leptocephali are found only in late winter and spring. From otoliths, the spawning times of these three species are all estimated to occur much later in the year than when small leptocephali are found at sea, indicating that ages appear to be underestimated. For these and other temperate and tropical eels, there are inconsistencies in assigned ages among various studies, which are most extreme for the European eel. This species has the longest larval migration and often has an opaque zone in the glass eels’ otoliths where it is difficult to discern growth increments. These inconsistencies suggest that interpretation of otolith growth increments is incorrect at least in some studies, and the apparently consistent mismatch between otolith and sea-sampling studies suggests that increments may not always be formed at some period during the unusual early life history of anguillids. Because daily increments may be formed in eels during most of their early life history, future research is needed to determine the cause of the mismatch of glass eel aging studies and the apparent spawning times of eels offshore. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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In situ experiment of ontogenetic variability in the otolith chemistry of Stegastes partitus

Otolith chemistry can be used to assess pelagic larval fish connectivity by comparing spatially variable otolith edge chemistry (corresponding to the site of collection) to otolith core chemistry (corresponding to the site of hatching). However, because the otolith’s edge and core represent different life stages, the deposition of elements may differ, thus complicating direct comparisons of edge and core chemistry to investigate connectivity. Here we present data from a field experiment in which otoliths from embryos (3 days post-fertilization) and juveniles of Stegastes partitus were collected at the same site and time, and chemically analyzed to assess whether elemental concentrations of otoliths vary ontogenetically. Separate multivariate analyses, each investigating the spatial/temporal variability in the chemistry of either embryo otoliths or the edges of juvenile otoliths, revealed significant differences, suggesting an environmental influence to the chemical signals of otoliths. A nested multivariate analysis assessing whether otolith chemistry varied with life history stage (i.e., ontogenetic variability) indicated that elemental concentrations of embryo otoliths were significantly greater than that of juvenile otolith edges. Specifically, embryo elemental concentrations of Mn, Zn, Sn, Ba, Ce, and Pb were between 2 and 163 times greater than those of the corresponding juvenile otoliths, and thus the environment was not the primary determinant of embryo otolith chemistry. Consequently, caution is warranted when interpreting environmental patterns of otolith cores, particularly when using them as a proxy for natal signatures.     

Developmental types of shallow-water asteroids of McMurdo Sound,Antarctica

The mode of development was ascertained for 14 of the 16 species of sea stars known to occur in shallow waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica (77°51S; 166°40E). The species were collected between September 1984 and December 1985. Females of three species,Odontaster validus, O. meridionalis andPorania antarctica, spawn small to moderate eggs (0.17 to 0.55 mm), have a high fecundity, and produce feeding larvae. Females of an undescribedPorania species spawn a few eggs (150 to 310) that are 0.55 mm in diameter and develop into demersal non-feeding larvae. Females ofDiplasterias brucei andNotasterias armata produce a few (<300) large eggs (2.8 to 3.5 mm) and brood their young. Females of the remaining eight species have moderate fecundity and produce pelagic non-feeding larvae, as determined from egg type (buoyant, 0.54 to 1.28 mm diam) and direct observations of spawning and development. The high incidence (11 out of 14 species; 79%) of non-feeding development is consistent with predictions that environmental conditions in high-latitude regions are unfavorable for planktotrophic development. Nonetheless, most of the species surveyed (11 out of 14) had pelagic larvae, which contradicts inferences of unusual selection for benthic development in the Antarctic.     

Benthic and pelagic fish biomass of the upper continental slope off eastern Tasmania

Benthic and pelagic fishes were sampled east of Maria Island, Tasmania, at two-monthly intervals from April 1984 to June 1985, from the surface to the bottom (500 m depth), using commercial-sized trawls. Biomass was calculated by the area swept/volume filtered method and divided by estimated catchability coefficients so that catches from the two sampling gears could be combined. Of the 54 families caught, three (Myctophidae, Squalidae, Sternoptychidae) contributed 25% of the 115 species. Most benthic and dispersed species were caught regularly, whereas most pelagic species occurred only occasionally and in low numbers, although a core group was always present. Total fish biomass was high (range=77 to 532 g m^-2; x= 390 g m^-2), due almost entirely to the myctophid Lampanyctodes hectoris (over 90% of the biomass). Benthic biomass was relatively low and stable, but derived from many species. Pelagic biomass was high, fluctuated widely and was composed of a few species. Biomass was highest in summer: Maurolicus muelleri increased by a factor of 200, Diaphus danae by 50, and L. hectoris, Macruronus novaezelandiae and Lepidorhynchus denticulatus by almost 10. Peaks in biomass may correlate with the interactions of the subtropical convergence and the East Australian Current and the resultant marked seasonal cycle in water temperature, nutrients and primary productivity.With an appendix by T.J. Kenchington, CSIRO Division of Fisheries, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia     

Relationship between growth rate and age at recruitment ofAnguilla japonica elvers in a Taiwan estuary as inferred from otolith growth increments

The growth history and recruitment dynamics of eel (Anguilla japonica) elvers were studied. Observations were based on growth increments in sagittal otoliths of elvers collected from Shuang-Chi River estuary off northeastern Taiwan, from November 1985 to February 1986. Total lengths of elvers upon arrival at the estuary were similar in most case; mean total lengths were from 55.99 to 59.06 mm. Daily ages of elvers at arrival ranged from 112.8±9.4 (±SD) to 156.5±13.5 d, indicating that migration of eel larvae from their oceanic spawning ground to the estuary requires 4 to 5 mo. Elver hatching dates, back-calculated from estimated daily ages, indicated that the spawning season lasted 5 mo (from late June to early October). Furthermore, the earlier eels spawned, the earlier elvers reached the estuary. The transition in growth history during the larval stage was obvious, as indicated from the change in increment width in elver otoliths. The inverse correlation between daily age and mean daily growth rates of fish length and otolith indicated that the age of elvers upon arrival at the estuary was susceptible to larval growth rate. In other words, the time taken on migration from oceanic spawning ground to the estuary was shorter for fast-growing larvae than for slowgrowing ones.     

Seasonal migrations of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) through the Dover Strait

Analysis of paired-haul mid-water trawling experiments conducted in the five months November to March during the years 1985 and 1988 revealed the seasonal pattern of migration of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) moving through the Dover Strait between the Southern Bight of the North Sea and the English Channel. Mid-water catches of maturing fish were highest on south-going tidesprior to peak spawning (late January), while catches of spent fish, were highest on north-going tidesafter peak spawning. Detailed analysis of the catch data provided evidence that males complete their pre-spawning migration earlier, and their post-spawning migration later, than female fish and consequently spend more time on the spawning ground. Catches of immature female fish indicated a migration south following that of the mature fish. This dummy run may be a method by which immature plaice use the presence of high densities of mature and spawning fish to learn the location of the spawning ground. The analysis also indicated that differences in catch rates between day and night are unlikely to be the result of gear avoidance by day. The results confirm that selective tidal-stream transport is a key migratory mechanism for plaice in areas of fast tidal streams on the European continental shelf.     

Population structure and reproductive biology of Ceratonereis limnetica (Polychaeta: Nereididae) at Lower Portland,Hawkesbury River,Australia

Ceratonereis limnetica Hutchings and Glasby was collected from Lower Portland, Hawkesbury River, New South Wales, Australia, from March 1982 to September 1983. C. limnetica is one of a relatively few polychaete species in which the adults normally tolerate reverine conditions. Reproduction in this species has been modified accordingly, differing from the common pelagic spawning of many nereidids. Adults of both sexes remain essentially unmodified and spawn on the bottom. Embryos and larvae are brooded in specially constructed tubes in the sediment by the female. Both sexes have a life span of about 1 yr, dying soon after spawning. The morphological and reproductive behavioural similarities between C. limnetica and C. aequisetis are considered to indicate a close phylogenetic affinity.     

Dietary effects on multi-element composition of European eel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla anguilla</Emphasis>) otoliths

Otolith microchemistry is widely used as a tool to track individual migration pathways of diadromous fish under the assumption that the elemental composition of fish otoliths is directly influenced by the physicochemical properties of the surrounding water. Nevertheless, several endogenous factors are reported to affect element incorporation into fish otoliths and might lead to misinterpretations of migration studies. This study experimentally examined the influence of eight different diets on the microchemical composition of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) otoliths using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Seven natural prey types and one artificial diet were fed during 8 weeks in freshwater circuits. Results show for the first time that food has no significant influence on the incorporation of Na, Sr, Ba, Mg, Mn, Cu and Y into European eel otoliths. This indicates that the incorporation of elements usually chosen for migration studies is not affected by diet and that individual feeding behaviour of A. anguilla will not lead to any misinterpretation of migration pathways.     

Long-term changes in populations of subtidal bivalves (Abra alba and A. prismatica) from the Bay of Morlaix (Western English Channel)

Two populations of Abra alba (Wood) and one of A. prismatica (Montagu) (Mollusca: Bivalvia) were studied over a 10 yr period (1977–1987) in two muddy fine-sand subtidal communities of the Bay of Morlaix, France. The survey provided an example of long-term changes in the three Abra spp. populations, which displayed synchronized changes, with a regular annual cycle and increasing densities during 1979–1980 related to the higher concentration of organic matter resulting from the Amoco Cadiz oil spill in March 1978. A. alba rapidly adapts its demographic strategy to eutrophic conditions by increasing its reproductive potential, growth, and abundance. During times of eutrophication, A. alba has three spawning periods and three recruitments per year as opposed to two spawning periods and two recruitments per year during oligotrophic conditions. Growth of the juveniles of this species is insignificant until spring for individuals recruited in the autumn, whereas individuals which settle during spring or summer display immediate rapid growth. A. prismatica has a low capacity to adapt to eutrophic conditions. It has one annual period of sexual maturation at the end of the summer, with spawning in September–October and settlement beginning in mid-November. Growth of the juveniles after settlement is also insignificant until April. These results enable comparison of the demographic strategies of these two sympatric species.     

Reproduction of the Antarctic fish Nototheniops nudifrons

The reproductive biology of the Antarctic fish Nototheniops nudifrons (Lönnberg, 1905) was analyzed by examination of the gonads of fish collected in March and April 1985 in trawls near Low Island, Antarctic Peninsula, and compared to direct observations of reproduction and early larval development in the laboratory from March to October of the same year. Males and females reached sexual maturity at an age of 4 to 5 yr. Mature males differed in coloration from females and immature males. Ovaries of sexually mature females contained two distinct size modes of vitellogenic oocytes, representing two separate clutches of developing eggs. Females spawned 100 to 3 500 demersal eggs, which were laid in a nest in crevices or under rocks, and guarded by the male for about 4 mo. Females did not assist in nest defense or egg care. Most spawning in the field and in the laboratory occurred in late fall and early winter (May to June). A second clutch may be spawned in spring (November and December). Eggs hatched after 124 d, and larvae were raised for 38 d. Otoliths of larvae contain internal microincrements, which are deposited in a daily fashion, and are visible by light microscopy. The otoliths of 32 adult fish were examined by scanning electron microscope, and counts of microincrements in these otoliths allowed the backcalculation of hatching dates. Estimated hatching dates were between September and May.     

Variation in concentrations of trace elements in otoliths and eye lenses of a temperate reef fish, Parma microlepis, as a function of depth, spatial scale, and age

 Territorial Parma microlepis (Günther) (Pomacentridae) were collected at different depths, at three sites in each of four estuaries near Sydney, Australia. Element concentrations were measured by induc- tively-coupled–plasma mass spectrometry. Significant differences in concentrations of Mn and Ba were found in the otoliths of fish sampled in different depth strata, with concentrations generally greatest in fish found in water <4 m deep. Depth-related differences varied among estuaries (e.g. 0 to 1.2 μg Ba g⁻¹ otolith). In most estuaries there was a negative linear relationship between concentrations of Mn and Ba in otoliths and actual depth. Great variation was found within an estuary among sites separated by 0.5 to 3 km. In the eye lenses, concentrations of Rb differed according to depth of capture of fish. The age of fish (1+ to 34 yr) had no influence on the concentrations of elements in otoliths or lenses. Multivariate comparisons of elemental composition (= fingerprints) detected significant differences among depth strata. Fish collected from shallow water had the clearest multivariate classification according to depth. There was a close match between our shallow strata and the average depths reached by low-salinity/high-temperature estuarine plumes. The element composition of whole otoliths and lenses represents average concentrations experienced by the fish. The temporal resolution of differences in ambient conditions is likely to be coarse in the fish (i.e. months to years). Received: 9 April 1999 / Accepted: 29 February 2000     

Oxygen and carbon stable isotopes in the otoliths of wild and laboratory-reared Australian salmon (Arripis trutta)

Australian salmon,Arripis trutta, collected from the east coast of Tasmania, Australia, in 1987, were weighed and measured and their otoliths marked by immersing fish in an oxytetracycline hydrochloride/seawater solution before placement in constant-temperature aquaria. Individual somatic and otolith growth rates were determined for input into mass balance models. Mass balance models were used to determine the oxygen and carbon isotopic composition of otolith material produced during captivity. There was a significant relationship between ¹⁸O measured in the otolith aragonite and ambient temperature (r ² = 0.77). The linear relationship between these data, where ¹⁸O = 6.69 – 0.326 (T, °C), was not significantly different from a relationship indicative of equilibrium deposition of oxygen isotopes in aragonite. Otolith carbon was significantly depleted in¹³C relative to equilibrium deposition, with depletions >6.0 at all temperatures. There was no relationship between ¹³C and temperature. It was estimated that >30% of the otolith carbon was from metabolically derived sources. Significant differences in otolith carbon isotopes among wild juvenile Australian salmon were hypothesised to be attributable to differences in diet. Levels of variability for both oxygen and carbon isotopes in laboratory-maintained and wild fish were similar to that found by other researchers for foraminifera and these results highlight the importance of large sample sizes when estimating environmental temperatures from oxygen isotopes measured in fish otoliths.     

Offshore spawning by the portunid crabScylla serrata (Crustacea: Decapoda)

The portunid crabScylla serrata (Forskål) is shown to migrate offshore to spawn. Records of 447S. serrata caught as bycatch by trawlers in the tropical waters of northern Australia were analysed with respect to area, depth, distance offshore and month of capture as well as the sex and size of the crabs and whether the females were ovigerous. The crabs were caught mainly in three areas that correspond to the tiger prawn trawl fishery, at between 10 and 60 m depth (mean 28.5 m), 3 to 95 km offshore (mean 17.9 km). Most (87%) of the crabs were captured in October and November, which suggests they move offshore in September and October. No crabs were reported from offshore by February. Over 97% of the crabs caught offshore were female, of these 61.5% were ovigerous. The size range of females (100–109 to 200–209 mm carapace-width size classes) and males (120–129 to 200–209 mm carapace-width size classes) caught was similar. The frequent occurrence in coastal waters of females that are larger than the modal size at spawning, as well as mature females with spent ovaries, suggests that many females return to the coast after spawning. Although some species of portunid crab are euryhaline, mature females of estuarine species migrate to the sea to spawn. The migration byS. serrata described here is far more extensive than would be required to reach sea water salinities; it probably provides a dispersal mechanism for larvae to enable the megalopa stage to recruit to habitats distant from those of the parents.     

Glucosephosphate isomerase genotype frequencies,homozygous excess and size relationships in the sand flounder Rhombosolea plebeia

Genetic variation was studied at two polymorphic loci for 3 yr (November 1978–February 1982) in juvenile sand flounder (Rhombosolea plebeia) in Wellington Harbour, New Zealand. The Gpi-1 locus showed a heterogeneity in genotype frequencies, but this was not clearly related to season or to fish length. At the Gpi-2 locus, genotype frequencies were dependent upon length and showed a significant excess of homozygotes in juveniles but not in adults. This latter phenomenon has been reported previously in several species of marine molluscs, and so may be common to marine organisms producing large numbers of pelagic larvae. Reasons for the excess of homozygotes are discussed, and it is suggested that assortative mating is the most likely explanation and that this is an area of marine population genetic research which has been over-looked.     

Otolith record of age, growth, and ontogeny in larval and pelagic juvenile Stephanolepishispidus (Pisces: Monacanthidae)

Juveniles of the planehead filefish Stephano-lepishispidus (Pisces: Monacanthidae) (Linnaeus, 1766) are a major component of the Sargassum spp. community, yet little is known of their ecology. In this study, the otolith record of age, growth, and ontogeny in S. hispidus was examined. Juveniles caught off Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina (USA) on 30 June 1996 were marked with alizarin complexone and reared in a flow-through, outdoor tank for up to 19 days. Examination of marked otoliths at several time intervals showed that increment formation was not significantly different than one increment per day, and thus, increment number was used to estimate age. Depth-distribution, morphology, and meristics of larvae and juveniles collected (1990–1992) between Cape Romain, South Carolina, and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, were examined to identify the timing of the larval to juvenile transition. All indicators suggested the transition occurred between 17 and 20 days. Mean otolith increment widths exhibited a marked change at about 20 days, coinciding with the timing of the larval to juvenile transition and a change in the depth distribution from bottom to surface waters. Increment width of individual juveniles, however, did not exhibit the same pattern; only 40% conformed to the pattern identified for all fish. Thus, the record of the larval to juvenile transition is clear at the population level, but unresolved at the individual level. Received: 1 November 1999 / Accepted: 18 December 2000