Otolith Morphology of Amur Sleeper Perccottus glenii (Odontobutidae)

Abstract

Morphology of the sagitta, lapillus, and asteriscus is described in Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii, 19–245 mm TL. The sagitta is characterized by an almost quadratic shape. In the majority of individuals, the largest sagitta height along the dorsoventral axis (OH) is larger than the largest sagitta length along the anteroposterior axis (OL); and the average OH/OL index in the fishes above 60 mm TL is 1.18 (n = 191). The sagitta differs from the sagittae of recent and fossil representatives of the suborder Gobioidei (described until now) in the irregular rims with several dorsal lobes, well-developed postrostrum, and undefined sulcus acusticus. A negative allometry of the sagitta growth in relation to body length and lapillus and asteriscus growth in relation to body length and sagitta height is observed.