Features of otoliths in Opsaridium microcephalum juveniles were observed,
and the increment formation pattern was validated using Alizarin Complexone
(ALC). The sagitta was arrowhead shaped with an obvious core and rostra, the
latter being fragile and easily destroyed by extracting and grinding processes.
Increments around the core were readable but not in the rostra. The asteriscus
was oval shaped with an ambiguous core leading to difficulty in discerning the
first increment. The lapillus was round and fan shaped with an obvious core.
Increments in the lapillus were clearly deposited from the core to the margin.
These features made the lapillus the most appropriate for reading otolith
increments. Increments counts in the lapillus formed after ALC treatment agreed
with days elapsed, showing the daily formation of increments. Consequently, the
lapillus is only appropriate for daily increment analysis in Opsaridium
microcephalum.