A comparison of calcified structures for aging of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in Bafra Fish Lake, Turkey

Scales, otoliths, vertebrae, and opercular bones of pikeperch (Sander lucioperea) were evaluated to identify the best age determination structure. Neither vertebrae nor opercles provided material for consistent estimation of age. Marks oil scales were typically clear and easy to read in younger fish, but the age determination from scales of older fish was difficult and subjective. Annuli of otoliths were very clear and easy to interpret. The precision of age estimation was derived by percentage of agreement of repetitive readings and the average percentage of error; these parameters were respectively highest (91.4%) and lowest (4.5%) for otoliths, indicating that they were the most reliable structures for age determination in pikeperch.