Abstract:
Growth rmgs present in the otolith is commonly used to understand the age
and life history of fish. Growth rings itself, however, are also formed in the massive
structure such as vertebrae. As there is no information on the use of the vertebrae
growth rings for studying the age and life history of fish, a study aims to understand
the relationship between number and pattern of growth rings in the otolith and
vertebrae of Helostoma temmincki is conducted. Forty five fishes were sampled in the
Koto Panjang Dam. Their otolith and 2™* and 3^'^ vertebrae were removed and then
shaved in the Terpadu laboratory. Fishery and marine Science Faculty, Riau
University Pekanbaru. Number and form/ pattern of growth rings were then counted
and determined.
Results shown that the number of rings in the otolith and vertebrae is similar,
ranges from 2 - 7 . The form of the rings, however, is different. Ring in the otolith is
relatively thin, while rings in the vertebrae is relatively dark and thick. The growth
ring in the vertebrae may be used as a tool to predict the growth pattern of fish.
