MORPHOMETRY AND COMPOSITION OF RED DRUM OTOLITHS - CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH TEMPERATURE, SOMATIC GROWTH-RATE, AND AGE

1. Size and composition of sagittal otoliths from red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus (Sciaenidae), reared at various constant temperatures were compared with otoliths from wild-caught fish. 2. Uncoupling of otolith growth and somatic growth in laboratory-reared fish was evident in otolith length, area, volume, weight, density, and organic fraction. 3. Fish grown at low temperatures had significantly smaller and less dense otoliths having a greater organic content than fish of the same size grown at higher temperatures. 4. Changes in inorganic elements were poorly related to temperature in laboratory-reared fish. 5. The effect of temperature on otolith elemental composition was small relative to the effects of age and its associated physiological changes.