Ecomorphological comparisons of sagittae in Mullus barbatus and M-surmuletus

For both Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus, the relationship between sagitta area (O), sulcus acusticus area (S) throughout postlarval growth was characterized by their negative allometric growth. The adjusted mean S:O ratio differed between the two species. This may be associated with the difference in size and shape of the sagittae, a difference in somatic growth, and differences in food and spatial niches. The inner ear of Mullus cannot be considered as specialized and the interaction of stimuli detected by the sensory barbels and the inner ear together could be a compensatory mechanism that helps in the food search. (C) 1999 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.