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A Study on the Otolith of Lutjanidae in Malaysia
Muhammad Lukman bin Muhammad Zahari
Supervisor: Dr. Rumeaida Binti Mat Piah
Bachelor of Applied Science (Fisheries)
School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences
The information of otolith characteristics is important for future otolith-based study
such as age determination. This study aims to describe the otolith morphology of
snapper which has high commercial value in Malaysia. The otolith (sagitta)
measurements and morphological illustration of three species from Lutjanidae family
- Lutjanus russellii, L. lutjanus and L. malabaricus were retrieved by extraction of
samples collected from Peninsular Malaysia. Four otolith extraction techniques were
practiced according to manual provided by Secor et al., (1991). The otolith
morphology were compared for significant differences within the same family. This
study found the morphology of Lutjanids has oblong shape with large rostrum;
elongated cauda; deep notch and wide excisura. Meanwhile up-through-the-gills
method is the best way for otolith extraction due to low risk on damaging the otolith
and require minimal time period. The finding from this study can be used to distinguish
species through otolith information and morphological data.
664 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018