Removing an Odilith Bone to Determine a Fish's Age

Ed Little, a federal fishery biologist, has monitored catch and growth rates of local marine species in Key West for more than a quarter of a century. This video shows how he removes the inner ear bone (odilith bone) from a fish to determine its age. The odilith bone, much like a tree, has growth rings that are quantified to determine age.

Shot with Olympus E-P2, 14-42 mm lens. Technical notes: you will notice focus goes in and out as I moved closer to the subject. This is a result of using the automatic Single Focus function rather than the automatic Continuous Tracking Focus that is available on the E-P2. When I changed positions I manually refocused using the AEL/AFL button. The Continuous Tracking Focus feature would have done this for me automatically and there would have been no loss of focus as I changed positions. Also, please pardon the messy transitions. This video is unedited and shown in its entirety. Obviously, some of this will find its way to the cutting room floor.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• ed little
• dawn jones-garcia
• olympus e-p2
• ear bone
• odilith
• fishery science

[casperpika]

i think its otolith.. not odilith..