NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 August 2000 

Relationship between 


Fish Size and Otolith Length 


for 63 Species of Fishes from 


the Eastern North Pacific Ocean


James T. Harvey 

Thomas R. Loughlin 

Michael A. Perez 

Dion S. Oxman 

U.S. Department of Commerce 
NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

A Technical Report of the Fishery Bulletin 

Relationship between Fish Size and 


Otolith Length for 63 Species of 


Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean


James T. Harvey 

Thomas R. Loughlin 

Michael A. Perez 

Dion S. Oxman 

August 2000 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Seattle, Washington 
Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length 

for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 

JAMES T. HARVEY*, THOMAS R. LOUGHLIN, MICHAEL A. PEREZ, and DION S. OXMAN** 

National Marine Mammal Laboratory


Alaska Fisheries Science Center


National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA


7600 Sand Point Way N.E.


Seattle, Washington 98115-0070


ABSTRACT 

Otoliths commonly are used to determine the taxon, age, and size of fishes. This information is useful for population management, predator-prey studies, and archaeological research. 

The relationship between the length of a fish and the length of its otoliths remains unknown 

for many species of marine fishes in the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the relationships between 

fish length and fish weight, and between otolith length and fish length, were developed for 63 

species of fishes caught in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. We also summarized similar relationships for 46 eastern North Pacific fish species reported in the literature. The relationship 

between fish length and otolith length was linear, and most of the variability was explained by 

a simple least-squares regression (r 2 > 0.700 for 45 of 63 species). The relationship between 

otolith length and fish length was not significantly different between left and right otoliths for 

all but one fish species. Images of otoliths from 77 taxa are included to assist in the identification 

of species. 

Introduction 

All bony fishes (Osteichthyes) have three pairs of otoliths 

(earbones or earstones): the sagittae, asteriscus, and lapillus. These otoliths are composed of calcium carbonate 

in the form of aragonite, in a protein matrix. They are 

contained within membranous labyrinths in paired otic 

capsules on either side of the skull. The sagittae are the 

largest pair of otoliths in most bony fishes; however, in 

minnows (Cypriniformes) and catfish (Siluriformes) the 

asterici are the largest (Hecht, 1977). Fisheries biologists 

have used sagittae to determine age and growth of fishes 

because of the large size and distinct growth rings of sagittae (Chilton and Beamish, 1982; Boehlert, 1985; Summerfelt and Hall, 1987). 

Because otoliths are dense they can withstand some 

degree of dissolution, and often species can be recognized by the distinctive morphology of the sagittae 

(Morrow, 1979; Smale et al., 1995). Paleontologists have 

identified otoliths in middens (Fitch, 1969), oceanographers have determined species of fishes from otoliths 

in sediments (Fitch, 1964, 1968), and prey have been 

identified using otoliths collected from stomachs of 

piscivorous fishes (Trippel and Beamish, 1987), marine 

birds (Ainley et al., 1981), and marine mammals (Fitch 

and Brownell, 1968; Treacy and Crawford, 1981). Fishes 

eaten by pinnipeds also were identified using otoliths 

found in feces (Bailey and Ainley, 1982; Brown and 

Mate, 1983; Antonelis et al., 1984; Harvey, 1987). 

Trout (1954) and Templemann and Squires (1956) 

were among the first to demonstrate a significant positive relationship between otolith size and fish size of 

Barents Sea cod (Boreogadus saida) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). Otolith length also has been correlated with fish weight (Casteel, 1976). Since these early 

studies, relationships between otolith length and fish 

length have been determined for some species, including North Pacific gadids (Frost and Lowry, 1981), rockfishes (Sebastes spp.; Wyllie Echeverria, 1987), and several 

fishes off Baja California, Mexico (Gamboa, 1991). 

For most species, the relationship between otolith 

length and fish length can be described by a simple 

linear regression. For North Pacific gadids, this relation­

* Present address: Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss 

Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039-9647. 

** Present address: University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Juneau Center, 

School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, 11120 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, 

Alaska 99801. 

1 
2 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

ship has been best described by two linear regressions result in underestimating weight, these errors are usu­


with an inflection point (Frost and Lowry, 1981). Left ally small (Saila et al., 1988). 


and right sagittae also may differ in size within a rock­


fish species (Wyllie Echeverria, 1987), and sometimes 


otolith size is different among stocks of fishes, such as Results


Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus; Messieh, 1972).


The objective of this study was to compile informa- Forty-six relationships between fish and otolith size prevition regarding the relationship between otolith length ously reported in the literature involved various measures 

and fish length for fish species of the eastern North of fish length—fork length, total length (defined as the 

Pacific Ocean using original collections and published distance from the most anterior point to the most posteand unpublished literature. These data may be used rior point), and standard length measured in millimeters 

by researchers studying archaeology and food habits of or centimeters—and otolith length (Table 1). Many of 

piscivores to determine the size of fishes from the length the published regressions of fish length to otolith length 

of recovered otoliths. We also wanted to provide images were developed for species common in food habit studies 

of most fish otoliths, for which we had regressions, to be of marine mammals (Frost and Lowry, 1981; Brown and 

used as an aid for identifying species of fish. Mate, 1983) or species that were commercially important 

(Spratt, 1975; Boehlert and Yoklavich, 1984; Wyllie Echeverria, 1987). 

Methods Sixty-three species of fishes were collected in connection with the current study (Table 2). Most relationFishes were collected throughout the eastern North ships between weight and length were described by a 

Pacific Ocean (e.g. Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and off traditional allometric equation, where weight of a fish 

Washington, Oregon, and California) using bottom and is approximately equal to length to the third power 

midwater trawls, beach seines, gill nets, and hook-and- (Table 2). Linearized forms of this power relationship 

line gear. Fish were weighed to the nearest 0.1 g on a Met- explained >90% of the variability in 43 of 60 cases. 

tler balance (<600 g) and spring or pan scale (>600 g). For three species, no weight data were collected. For 

Standard length (SL; most anterior point to the base of 17 additional species, the sample size was less than 20; 

hypural plate at caudal flexion) or fork length (FL; most therefore, these weight/length relationships should be 

anterior point to the base of the fork in the caudal fin) used with caution. 

was measured to the nearest millimeter. Generally the relationship between fish length and 

Sagittae were removed, cleaned, and stored dry in otolith length was linear, and most of the variability was 

vials. Lengths of sagittae were determined using hand- explained by the regression (r2>0.700 in 45 of 63 cases; 

held vernier calipers under a dissecting microscope. Table 2). All relationships except one were significant 

Sagittal otolith length was recorded as the greatest dis- (P<0.05). There was no significant relationship between 

tance measured from the anterior rostrum to the poste- otolith length and fish length for Trachurus symmetricus 

rior edge, parallel to the sulcus. (Table 2). Regression coefficients of otolith length to fish 

The relationship between otolith length and fish length were not significantly different for left and right 

length (SL or FL) was determined using a least-squares otoliths, except for the wattled eelpout (Lycodes palearis; 

linear regression. The appropriateness of the linear P<0.05), however, the analysis was probably influenced 

model was determined by plotting the residuals against by the small sample size (n=12). Size of fish should not 

the independent variable. Differences between regres- be predicted from otolith size or fish weight for measuresion coefficients for the relationship of fish length ments outside the range used for the regressions. 

and the lengths of left and right otoliths were tested To assist in the identification of recovered otoliths, 

using t tests. When the equations for left and right we provide images of fish otoliths (Fig. 1) for most speotoliths did not differ statistically, one right or left oto- cies sampled. These otoliths are listed according to taxlith was selected randomly from each individual and onomic relationships (Robins et al., 1991). We chose 

a single linear regression reported for each fish spe- otoliths that were representative of the species, and precies. The significance of the linear regression was tested sented multiple images of otoliths from species where 

using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Relationships the otolith morphology changed with size. 

between otolith length and fish length for additional 

species were obtained from published and unpublished 

sources. Relationships between fish length and fish Discussion 

weight were determined using a least-squares regression of the log of fish weight and length (Ricker, 1975). Otoliths have been used to identify fish species eaten by 

Although transformation back to arithmetic units may marine predators (Fitch and Brownell, 1968; Pitcher, 1980; 
Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 3 

Table 1 

Published relationships of fi sh otolith length (or mass) and fi sh length (or mass) for fi shes in the eastern North Pacifi c. NA indicates data not available, and the codes 

for the variables (x and y) are defi ned at the bottom of the table. 

Species Regression 

Variables r 2 n Location 

Boreogadus saida (Arctic cod) y = 2.20x + 1.59 b 0.98 202 Beaufort & Chukchi Seas Frost and Lowry (1981) 

Citharichthys sordidus (Pacifi c sanddab) y = 0.02x + 1.02 a 0.93 46 Oregon Brown and Mate (1983) 

Eleginus gracilis (saffron cod) y = 2.32x – 4.84 b, c 0.96 110 Bering & Chukchi Seas Frost and Lowry (1981) 

y = 1.74x – 0.09 b, d 0.93 36 

Engraulis mordax (northern anchovy) y = 33.22x – 8.49 e 0.88 California Spratt (1975) 

Errex zachirus (rex sole) y = 0.02x + 1.02 a 0.98 78 Oregon Brown & Mate (1983) 

Hippoglossus stenolepis (Pacifi c halibut) ln(y) = 1.31 lnx – 1.32 b NA 2,503 North Pacifi c Southward (1962) 

ln(y) = 1.97 lnx + 6.00 0.90 128 North Pacifi c Southward and Chapman (1965) 

Leptocottus armatus (staghorn sculpin) y = 0.03x + 1.31 a 0.98 14 Oregon Brown and Mate (1983) 

Lyopsetta exilis (slender sole) y = 0.02x + 0.30 a 0.98 47 Oregon Brown and Mate (1983) Microstomus pacifi cus (dover sole) y = 0.02x + 0.62 a 0.97 45 Oregon Brown and Mate (1983) Oncorhynchus keta (chum salmon) log10y = 1.23 + 3.21 log10x f 0.99 North Pacifi c Casteel (1974) 

Oncorhynchus kisutch (coho salmon) log10y = 0.89 + 5.93 log10x f 0.99 North Pacifi c Casteel (1974) Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) y = 0.006x + 2.16 a 0.97 121 British Columbia, Washington, Oregon McKern et al. (1974) 

Oncorhynchus nerka (sockeye salmon) log10y=0.29 + 4.13 log10x f 0.95 North Pacifi c Casteel (1974) 

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (chinook salmon) log10y=0.59 + 4.15 log10x f 0.99 North Pacifi c Casteel (1974) Pleuronectes vetulus (English sole) y = 0.03x + 0.53 a 0.99 81 Oregon Brown and Mate (1983) 

Sebastes auriculatus (brown rockfi sh) y = 33.16x – 53.03 g 0.94 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes aurora (aurora rockfi sh) y = 19.91x + 15.12 g 0.61 71 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes carnatus (gopher rockfi sh) y = 30.57x – 39.37 g 0.89 203 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes caurinus (copper rockfi sh) y = 30.23x + 5.10 g 0.82 132 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Sebastes chlorostictus (greenspotted rockfi sh) y = 24.11x – 18.54 g 0.95 174 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Sebastes chrysomelas (black-and-yellow rockfi sh) y = 28.61x – 21.78 g 0.84 166 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Sebastes constellatus (starry rockfi sh) y = 25.27x – 37.48 g 0.96 99 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes crameri (darkblotched rockfi sh) y = 28.10x – 27.10 g 0.94 89 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Sebastes diploproa (splitnose rockfi sh) y = 22.64x – 12.85 g 0.96 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes elongatus (greenstriped rockfi sh) y = 24.02x – 13.56 g 0.95 98 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes entomelas (widow rockfi sh) y = 33.11x – 6.89 g 0.81 106 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes

fl avidus (yellowtail rockfi sh) y = 26.51x – 10.95 g 0.88 184 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes goodei (chilipepper) y = 29.13x – 58.00 g 0.96 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes hopkinsi (squarespot rockfi sh) y = 28.87x – 30.55 g 0.92 59 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Sebastes jordani (shortbelly rockfi sh) y = 22.10x – 2.31 g 0.97 183 California Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Continued 

Reference 

121 

43 19 86 53 78 78 78 
4 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Wyllie Echeverria (1987) Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Wyllie Echeverria (1987) 

Frost and Lowry (1981) 

Reference Location 

California California 

California 

California California 

California 

California California California 

California California California California 

California 

California 

Bering Sea 

Table 1 (continued) 

29 34 

209 

80 99 

204 

48 84 86 

173 147 102 102 

31 

130 

98 

158 

n 

0.95 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.93 0.83 0.79 0.91 0.82 0.92 0.81 0.92 0.95 0.85 0.93 

0.97 

0.98 

r 2 Variables 

b, h 

b, l 

g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g 

y = 47.46x – 170.11 

y = 25.18x + 32.97 y = 29.97x – 53.11 y = 30.56x – 48.22 

y = 30.56x – 47.07 

y = 29.36x – 56.74 y = 29.77x – 18.18 

y = 33.56x – 53.47 

y = 41.09x – 77.09 y = 29.41x – 85.11 y = 22.53x – 83.48 y = 31.33x – 76.23 

y = 23.40x – 32.77 

y = 25.27x – 19.18 y = 29.35x – 51.01 

y = 3.18x – 9.77 

y = 2.25x – 0.51 

Regression 

a x = fi sh standard length (mm), y = otolith length (mm) b x = otolith length (mm), fi sh fork length (cm) d otolith length < 8.5 mm e x = otolith length (mm), fi sh standard length (mm) g x = otolith length (mm), x = fi sh total length (mm) h 

xotolith length > 10.0 mm 

 = otolith length (mm), x = fi sh weight (g) 

Sebastes semicinctus (halfbanded rockfi sh) Sebastes melanostomus (blackgill rockfi sh) Theragra chalcogramma (walleye pollock) Sebastes ruberrimus (yelloweye rockfi sh) Sebastes miniatus (vermilion rockfi sh) Sebastes saxicola (stripetail rockfi sh) Sebastes maliger (quillback rockfi sh) Sebastes nebulosus (China rockfi sh) Sebastes serranoides (olive rockfi sh) Sebastes pinniger (canary rockfi sh) Sebastes ovalis (speckled rockfi sh) Sebastes melanops (black rockfi sh) Sebastes mystinus (blue rockfi sh) Sebastes rosaceus (rosy rockfi sh) Sebastes paucispinis (bocaccio) 

otolith length > 8.5 mm otolith length < 10.0 mm 

Sebastes levis (cowcod) 

Species c f i 
Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 5 

Table 2 

Relationships of fi sh weight (WT) in grams to fi sh standard length ( SL) in centimeters, and standard length to length of otolith (OL) in millimeters. For each equation, the number of fi sh or otoliths measured (

N), coeffi cient of determination (r 2), standard error of the regression coeffi cient (SEβ), and range of fi sh lengths is 

given. Species and common names from Robins et al. (1991). 

Fish weight/fi sh length Fish length/otolith length 

Species (common name) Location1 Equation N r 2 Equation N r 2 Range Allosmerus elongatus (whitebait smelt) OR WT = 0.0063 SL3.233 25 0.893 SL = 2.11 (OL) + 3.02 23 0.838 7.9–9.7 

Alosa sapidissima (American shad) OR WT = 0.0135 SL3.046 7 0.997 SL = 11.46 (OL) – 11.08 14 0.960 8.4–37.1 

SEβ = 0.680 

Ammodytes hexapterus (Pacifi c sand lance) CA WT = 0.0063 SL2.790 10 0.913 SL = 4.06 (OL) + 2.01 10 0.433 9.3–13.6 

AK SEβ = 1.643 

Anoplopoma

fi mbria (sablefi sh) OR WT = 0.0163 SL2.902 74 0.993 SL = 5.28 (OL) + 1.62 94 0.955 9.3–46.7 

SEβ = 0.120 

Atheresthes stomias (arrowtooth fl ounder) OR WT = 0.0093 FL2.999 101 0.961 FL = 4.75 (OL) – 2.96 84 0.925 31.1–37.5 

Atherinops affi nis (topsmelt) CA WT = 0.1698 SL1.733 14 0.429 SL = 3.72 (OL) + 0.55 18 0.891 4.1–14.1 

SEβ = 0.325 

Atherinopsis californiensis (jacksmelt) CA WT = 0.0049 SL3.228 12 0.968 SL = 4.85 (OL) – 2.46 18 0.950 13.0–32.6 

SEβ = 0.279 

Bathymaster signatus (searcher) 

WA WT = 0.0038 SL3.256 44 0.991 SL = 3.48 (OL) + 1.90 43 0.883 11.8–31.5 

Chilara taylori (spotted cusk-eel) CA WT = 0.0004 SL3.761 22 0.964 SL = 2.51 (OL) + 2.15 29 0.730 11.4–25.2 

SEβ = 0.294 

Chitonotus pugetensis (roughback sculpin) 

WA WT = 0.0217 SL2.871 11 0.960 SL = 3.37 (OL) – 4.52 11 0.857 5.5–11.8 

SEβ = 0.460 

Citharichthys sordidus (Pacifi c sanddab) 

WA, OR WT = 0.0352 SL2.710 60 0.851 SL = 2.87 (OL) + 3.29 61 0.727 3.3–25.5 

SEβ = 0.229 

Clupea pallasi (Pacifi c herring) 

WA, OR WT = 0.0044 SL3.398 83 0.976 SL = 5.24 (OL) – 1.85 82 0.934 5.1–22.7 

SEβ = 0.166 

Coryphaenoides acrolepis (Pacifi c rattail) OR WT = 0.0016 SL3.209 10 0.921 SL = 3.44 (OL) – 3.23 10 0.926 19.0–36.0 

SEβ = 0.368 

Cymatogaster aggregata (shiner perch) OR, CA WT = 0.0100 SL3.515 85 0.979 SL = 1.74 (OL) – 0.52 90 0.925 4.8–12.2 

SEβ = 0.053 

Dasycottus setiger (spinyhead sculpin) GA No data available FL = 3.11 (OL) – 7.03 49 0.655 8.0–33.0 

SEβ = 0.368 

Eleginus gracilis (saffron cod) GA WT = 0.0039 SL3.292 13 0.990 SL = 1.89 (OL) – 2.76 46 0.960 9.2–20.9 

SEβ = 0.058 

Embiotoca jacksoni (black perch) CA WT = 0.0282 SL3.148 19 0.992 SL = 2.45 (OL) – 2.61 52 0.947 5.2–18.4 

SEβ = 0.082 

Embiotoca lateralis (striped seaperch) OR, CA WT = 0.0329 SL3.043 25 0.998 SL = 2.90 (OL) – 5.68 25 0.990 6.6–26.4 

SEβ = 0.061 

Engraulis mordax (northern anchovy) CA WT = 0.0485 SL2.413 34 0.807 SL = 2.28 (OL) + 0.85 56 0.694 3.6–14.4 

SEβ = 0.206 

Eopsetta exilis (slender sole) GA WT = 0.0058 SL3.293 50 0.974 SL = 3.37 (OL) + 1.08 50 0.771 8.0–20.5 

SEβ = 0.265 

Continued 
6 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

Table 2 (continued) 

Fish weight/fi sh length Fish length/otolith length 

Species (common name) Location1 Equation N r 2 Equation N r 2 Range Eopsetta jordani (petrale sole) OR, CA WT = 0.0086 SL3.231 17 0.986 SL = 4.85 (OL) – 4.81 20 0.857 13.7–37.0 

SEβ = 0.468 

Errex zachirus (rex sole) 

WA, OR WT = 0.0238 SL2.692 67 0.932 SL = 4.80 (OL) – 2.50 70 0.869 12.0–29.7 

SEβ = 0.226 

Gadus macrocephalus (Pacifi c cod) BS No data available FL = 4.51 (OL) – 22.97 110 0.883 10.0–106.0 

Genyonemus lineatus (white croaker) CA WT = 0.0550 SL2.700 40 0.767 SL = 1.52 (OL) + 4.66 48 0.534 9.1–28.0 

SEβ = 0.209 

Gymnocanthus galeatus (armorhead sculpin) BS WT = 0.0100 SL3.196 29 0.939 SL = 1.75 (OL) + 0.82 28 0.476 7.3–15.0 

SEβ = 0.360 

Hippoglossoides elassodon (fl athead sole) 

WA WT = 0.0078 FL3.041 99 0.984 FL = 4.63 (OL) – 0.71 40 0.947 17.2–30.5 

Hyperprosopon argenteum (walleye surfperch) OR, CA WT = 0.0116 SL3.361 23 0.996 SL = 2.57 (OL) – 2.83 24 0.987 5.6–20.7 

SEβ = 0.063 

Hypomesus pretiosus (surf smelt) OR WT = 0.0044 SL3.345 42 0.986 SL = 3.61 (OL) – 0.63 25 0.932 6.9–15.4 

SEβ = 0.204 

Hypsopsetta guttulata (diamond turbot) CA WT = 0.0853 SL2.664 14 0.967 SL = 4.89 (OL) – 0.29 18 0.835 7.1–26.9 

SEβ = 0.543 

Leptocottus armatus (Pacifi c staghorn sculpin) 

WA,OR,CA WT = 0.0111 SL3.229 51 0.990 SL = 2.58 (OL) – 2.26 62 0.928 3.7–22.5 

SEβ = 0.092 

Lycodes brevipes (shortfi n eelpout) BS WT = 0.0195 FL2.522 56 0.826 FL = 3.47 (OL) + 4.83 62 0.520 18.5–27.6 

SEβ = 0.430 

Lycodes cortezianus (bigfi n eelpout) 

WA,CA WT = 0.0018 SL3.245 40 0.993 SL = 10.96 (OL) – 21.82 41 0.742 11.5–44.7 

Lycodes palearis (wattled eelpout) BS WT = 0.0007 FL3.483 25 0.913 FL = 5.22 (OL) + 12.42 24 0.283 32.0–47.0 

SEβ = 1.773 

Lycodopsis pacifi ca (blackbelly eelpout) GA WT = 0.0018 SL3.302 22 0.954 SL = 3.82 (OL) + 4.89 20 0.610 14.4–23.3 

SEβ = 0.719 

Mallotus villosus (capelin) BS WT = 0.0054 SL3.160 39 0.717 SL = 3.45 (OL) + 3.62 39 0.649 10.0–13.7 

SEβ = 0.417 

Merluccius productus (Pacifi c hake) OR WT = 0.0081 SL2.966 75 0.933 SL = 2.04 (OL) + 0.96 86 0.891 26.3–54.4 

SEβ = 0.078 

Microgadus proximus (Pacifi c tomcod) 

WA,OR WT = 0.0064 SL3.191 80 0.988 SL = 1.77 (OL) – 3.51 101 0.932 6.1–28.3 

SEβ = 0.048 

Microstomus pacifi cus (Dover sole) OR WT = 0.0094 SL3.092 101 0.854 SL = 3.72 (OL) + 6.97 117 0.587 7.6–37.8 

SEβ = 0.301 

Oncorhynchus kisutch (coho salmon) OR WT = 0.0103 SL3.092 43 0.989 SL = 16.31 (OL) – 40.74 46 0.569 12.5–58.4 

SEβ = 2.138 

Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) OR WT = 0.0275 SL2.895 18 0.905 SL = 16.28 (OL) – 38.14 39 0.790 12.0–26.1 

SEβ = 1.381 

Ophiodon elongatus (lingcod) OR,CA WT = 0.0023 SL3.567 10 0.620 SL = 8.23 (OL) – 8.20 35 0.722 5.3–71.9 

SEβ = 0.315 

Osmerus mordax (rainbow smelt) BS WT = 0.0038 SL3.278 32 0.819 SL = 2.69 (OL) + 0.32 29 0.759 13.0–17.9 

SEβ = 0.292 

Continued 
Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 7 

Table 2 (continued) 

Fish weight/fi sh length Fish length/otolith length 

Species (common name) Location1 Equation N r 2 Equation N r 2 Range Phanerodon furcatus (white seaperch) OR,CA WT = 0.0213 SL3.086 17 0.997 SL = 2.33 (OL) – 2.15 46 0.912 4.5–23.5 

SEβ = 0.109 

Platichthys stellatus (starry fl ounder) OR,CA WT = 0.0107 SL3.268 25 0.985 SL = 3.35 (OL) + 0.23 30 0.814 8.2–37.3 

SEβ = 0.303 

Pleurogrammus monopterygius (Atka mackerel) BS WT = 0.0034 FL3.401 16 0.987 FL = 8.40 (OL) – 4.99 13 0.864 19.0–35.0 

Pleuronectes asper (yellowfi n sole) BS WT = 0.0024 SL3.605 7 0.859 SL = 2.17 (OL) + 10.65 26 0.638 22.7–30.7 

Pleuronectes bilineatus (rock sole) BS WT = 0.0112 FL2.997 83 0.931 FL = 6.16 (OL) – 6.97 29 0.841 7.3–32.0 

Pleuronectes vetulus (English sole) 

WA,OR,CA WT = 0.0163 SL2.939 98 0.995 SL = 3.82 (OL) – 2.76 151 0.965 3.5–36.1 

SEβ = 0.059 

Podothecus acipenserinus (sturgeon poacher) BS,WA, OR WT = 0.0030 SL3.233 93 0.956 SL = 6.58 (OL) – 6.21 92 0.840 7.3–25.7 

SEβ = 0.303 

Porichthys notatus (plainfi n midshipman) 

WA,OR, CA WT = 0.0207 SL2.916 78 0.967 SL = 2.80 (OL) – 2.59 80 0.926 4.0–26.6 

SEβ = 0.090 

Psettichthys melanostictus (sand sole) 

WA,OR, CA WT = 0.0052 SL3.441 25 0.983 SL = 5.06 (OL) – 3.18 26 0.942 8.1–31.0 

SEβ = 0.256 

Rhacochilus vacca (pile perch) 

WA,OR WT = 0.0182 SL3.218 46 0.997 SL = 3.35 (OL) – 8.19 45 0.965 6.2–33.5 

SEβ = 0.098 

Sebastes melanops (black rockfi sh) OR WT = 0.1225 SL2.499 21 0.585 SL = 2.23 (OL) – 1.48 53 0.749 12.2–42.0 

SEβ = 0.181 

Sebastes paucispinis (bocaccio) OR No data available SL = 2.41 (OL) + 0.14 13 0.769 8.4–41.8 

SEβ = 0.398 

Sebastolobus alascanus (shortspine thornyhead) OR WT = 0.0102 SL3.239 69 0.988 SL = 2.31 (OL) – 3.71 51 0.828 15.1–49.2 

SEβ = 0.150 

Sebastolobus altivelis (longspine thornyhead) OR WT = 0.0155 SL3.113 13 0.997 SL = 4.94 (OL) – 27.50 13 0.839 15.8–55.5 

SEβ = 0.652 

Spirinchus thaleichthys (longfi n smelt) OR WT = 0.0288 SL2.531 50 0.854 SL = 2.64 (OL) – 0.20 50 0.878 7.3–11.6 

SEβ = 0.142 

Symphurus atricauda (California tonguefi sh) CA WT = 0.0074 SL3.136 32 0.789 SL = 3.56 (OL) + 4.64 48 0.464 6.5–15.2 

SEβ = 0.563 

Thaleichthys pacifi cus (eulachon) OR WT = 0.0077 SL3.075 129 0.884 SL = 4.71 (OL) – 2.70 102 0.871 10.5–19.8 

SEβ = 0.181 

Theragra chalcogramma (walleye pollock) 

WA WT = 0.0043 SL3.255 46 0.985 SL = 2.24 (OL) – 2.35 44 0.948 12.6–43.2 

SEβ = 0.081 

Trachurus symmetricus (jack mackerel) OR,CA WT = 0.0635 SL2.556 18 0.761 Not signifi cant 14 0.141 25.5–33.3 

Trichodon trichodon (Pacifi c sandfi sh) BS WT = 0.0170 FL2.953 19 0.971 FL = 6.06 (OL) – 4.57 17 0.684 15.0–25.0 Zalembius rosaceus (pink seaperch) CA WT = 0.0199 SL3.102 48 0.841 SL = 1.88 (OL) – 0.07 56 0.912 7.0–12.8 

SEβ = 0.079 

1 Location of capture: BS = Bering Sea, CA = California, GA = Gulf of Alaska, OR = Oregon, WA = Washington. 
8 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

Brown and Mate, 1983; Harvey, 1987). Specific guides or 

keys to fish otoliths also have been published (Morrow, 

1979; Harkonen, 1986; Hecht, 1987; Smale et al., 1995). 

Generally, standard length of fishes is linearly related 

to otolith length. Predicting size of fishes (length and 

weight) can be accomplished with fair reliability on the 

basis of otolith length. This relationship, however, is not 

always reliable. Otolith length typically is linearly related 

to length of the fish until the fish reaches maximum 

size; thereafter, the otolith increases only in thickness 

(Blacker, 1974; Williams and Bedford, 1974). Otolith 

lengths of larval and juvenile fishes may increase in a 

curvilinear fashion relative to fish length for some species, such as sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka ; West 

and Larkin, 1987) and walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma; Nishimura and Yamada, 1988). The relationship 

between otolith length and fish length may be dependent on the growth rate of the fish, as was reported for 

striped bass (Morone saxatilis; Secor and Dean, 1989). 

Additionally, the relationship between otolith length and 

fish length may be described by multiple linear lines with 

inflection points (e.g. gadids; Frost and Lowry, 1981). 

Multiple linear relationships may result from different 

growth stanzas (Laidig et al., 1991). These results indicate 

that size of fish should only be estimated over the size distribution sampled, and that all length intervals should be 

sampled properly with the appropriate statistical model. 

Estimating size of consumed fishes from measurements of otoliths recovered in stomachs or feces may 

be biased because of partial or complete digestion of 

otoliths (Jobling and Breiby, 1986; Jobling, 1987). For 

instance, size of fish eaten by the harbor seal (Phoca 

vitulina) may be underestimated by 16–44% (Harvey, 

1989). Similar results have been reported for many pinnipeds (Hawes, 1983; da Silva and Neilson, 1985; Murie 

and Lavigne, 1986). Although a rough estimate of these 

errors may be obtained from controlled experiments, 

the amount of digestion may be species-specific, requiring numerous tests to document all forms of bias. There 

also may be differences between the sexes in the relationship between fish size and otolith size, something 

we did not test. Researchers using otoliths to determine 

number and size of fish eaten, therefore, should realize 

the limitations of this technique. 

Fish size-otolith size relationships will be useful for 

researchers examining food habits of piscivores and size 

of fish in archaeological samples. Many more species 

and sizes of fish should be sampled to cover the full 

range of fishes involved in these studies. 

Acknowledgments 

We thank students and coworkers at Oregon State University, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, and the National 

Marine Mammal Laboratory for their assistance in removing and measuring fish otoliths. In particular, Mary Yoklavich helped enter data, checked data for accuracy, and 

reviewed the manuscript. Daniel Kimura, Mark Lowry, 

Beth Sinclair, and Jay Orr also provided thoughtful comments on the manuscript. This work was funded, in part, 

by the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, National 

Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, Washington. 

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10 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

Figure 1 

Otolith images of 76 species of fishes from the eastern North Pacific, listed in taxonomic order (Robins et al., 1991). For species with extreme variability in otolith morphology, multiple images are provided. For each species, the scientific and common 

names, position and size of the otolith pictured, and length and mass of the fish from which the otolith was removed are given. 

The regression relationships between (1) weight (WT in grams) and fish length (SL in cm) and (2) fish length (SL or FL in cm) 

and otolith length (OL in mm) are provided for each species. The coefficient of determination is r 2. 
Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 11 

CLUPEIDAE


Alosa sapidissima 

(American shad) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 3.6


Fish length (cm): 27.3


Fish weight (g): 320.5


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 11.46 (OL) – 11.08 r 2 = 0.960


Weight: WT = 0.0135 SL3.046 r 2 = 0.997


Clupea pallasi 

(Pacific herring) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 3.3


Fish length (cm): 17.7


Fish weight (g): 71.6


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 5.24 (OL) – 1.85 r 2 = 0.934


Weight: WT = 0.0044 SL3.398 r 2 = 0.976


ENGRAULIDAE


Engraulis mordax 

(northern anchovy) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 3.5


Fish length (cm): 8.0


Fish weight (g): 7.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.28 (OL) + 0.85 r 2 = 0.694


Weight: WT = 0.0485 SL2.413 r 2 = 0.807


Engraulis mordax 

(northern anchovy) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 3.4


Fish length (cm): 11.9


Fish weight (g): 12.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.28 (OL) + 0.85 r 2 = 0.694


Weight: WT = 0.0485 SL2.413 r 2 = 0.807

12 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

OSMERIDAE


Allosmerus elongatus 

(whitebait smelt) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 3.0


Fish length (cm): 9.3


Fish weight (g): 5.9


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.11 (OL) + 3.02 r 2 = 0.838


Weight: WT = 0.0063 SL3.233 r 2 = 0.893


Hypomesus pretiosus 

(surf smelt) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 3.8


Fish length (cm): 12.6


Fish weight (g): 20.1


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.61 (OL) – 0.63 r 2 = 0.932


Weight: WT = 0.0044 SL3.345 r 2 = 0.986


Mallotus villosus 

(capelin) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 2.5


Fish length (cm): 11.6


Fish weight (g): 12.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.45 (OL) + 3.62 r 2 = 0.649


Weight: WT = 0.0054 SL3.160 r 2 = 0.717


Osmerus mordax 

(rainbow smelt) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 5.1


Fish length (cm): 13.0


Fish weight (g): 17.9


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.69 (OL) + 0.32 r 2 = 0.759


Weight: WT = 0.0038 SL3.278 r 2 = 0.819

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 13 

OSMERIDAE (cont.)


Spirinchus thaleichthys 

(longfin smelt) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 3.8


Fish length (cm): 9.9


Fish weight (g): 8.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.64 (OL) – 0.20 r 2 = 0.878


Weight: WT = 0.0288 SL2.531 r 2 = 0.854


Thaleichthys pacificus 

(eulachon) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 4.1


Fish length (cm): 16.5


Fish weight (g): 32.7


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 4.71 (OL) – 2.70 r 2 = 0.871


Weight: WT = 0.0077 SL3.075 r 2 = 0.884


SALMONIDAE


Oncorhynchus kisutch 

(coho salmon) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 3.7


Fish length (cm): 18.0


Fish weight (g): 98.9


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 16.31 (OL) – 40.74 r 2 = 0.569


Weight: WT = 0.0103 SL3.092 r 2 = 0.989


Oncorhynchus kisutch 

(coho salmon) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 3.3


Fish length (cm): 17.7


Fish weight (g): 66.6


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 16.31 (OL) – 40.74 r 2 = 0.569


Weight: WT = 0.0103 SL3.092 r 2 = 0.989

14 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

SALMONIDAE (cont.)


Oncorhynchus mykiss 

(rainbow trout) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 5.0


Fish length (cm): 24.3


Fish weight (g): 320.9


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 16.28 (OL) – 38.14 r 2 = 0.790


Weight: WT = 0.0275 SL2.895 r 2 = 0.905


Oncorhynchus mykiss 

(rainbow trout) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 4.8


Fish length (cm): 25.3


Fish weight (g): 315.6


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 16.28 (OL) – 38.14 r 2 = 0.790


Weight: WT = 0.0275 SL2.895 r 2 = 0.905


Oncorhynchus nerka 

(sockeye salmon) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 3.0


Fish length (cm): 20


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: No data available 

Weight: No data available 

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha 

(chinook salmon) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 2.4


Fish length (cm): 7.6


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: No data available 

Weight: No data available 
Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 15 

GADIDAE


Eleginus gracilis 

(Saffron cod; ventral view) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.8


Fish length (cm): 9.2


Fish weight (g): 6.2


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.89 (OL) – 2.76 r 2 = 0.960


Weight: WT = 0.0039 SL3.292 r 2 = 0.990


Eleginus gracilis 

(saffron cod) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.8


Fish length (cm): 9.2


Fish weight (g): 6.2


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.89 (OL) – 2.76 r 2 = 0.960


Weight: WT = 0.0039 SL3.292 r 2 = 0.990


Gadus macrocephalus 

(Pacific cod) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 12.0


Fish length (cm): 29.5


Fish weight (g): 373.8


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 4.51 (OL) – 22.97 r 2 = 0.883


Weight: No data available


Merluccius productus 

(Pacific hake) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 22.0


Fish length (cm): 42.0


Fish weight (g): 659.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.04 (OL) + 0.96 r 2 = 0.891


Weight: WT = 0.0081 SL2.966 r 2 = 0.933

16 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

GADIDAE (cont.)


Microgadus proximus 

(Pacific tomcod) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 12.3


Fish length (cm): 18.2


Fish weight (g): 59.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.77 (OL) – 3.51 r 2 = 0.932


Weight: WT = 0.0064 SL3.191 r 2 = 0.988


Theragra chalcogramma 

(walleye pollock) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 16.0


Fish length (cm): 33.5


Fish weight (g): 394.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.24 (OL) – 2.35 r 2 = 0.948


Weight: WT = 0.0043 SL3.255 r 2 = 0.985


MACROURIDAE 

Coryphaenoides acrolepis 

(Pacific rattail) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 10.0


Fish length (cm): 36.0


Fish weight (g): 148.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.44 (OL) – 3.23 r 2 = 0.926


Weight: WT = 0.0016 SL3.209 r 2 = 0.921


OPHIDIIDAE 

Chilara taylori 

(spotted cusk-eel) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 7.6


Fish length (cm): 21.8


Fish weight (g): 46.6


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.51 (OL) + 2.15 r 2 = 0.730


Weight: WT = 0.0004 SL3.761 r 2 = 0.964

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 17 

BATRACHOIDIDAE


Porichthys notatus 

(plainfin midshipman) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 9.1


Fish length (cm): 22.5


Fish weight (g): 215.1


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.80 (OL) – 2.59 r 2 = 0.926


Weight: WT = 0.0207 SL2.916 r 2 = 0.967


ATHERINIDAE 

Atherinops affinis 

(topsmelt) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 2.4


Fish length (cm): 9.9


Fish weight (g): 10.2


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.72 (OL) + 0.55 

Weight: WT = 0.1698 SL1.733 

Atherinops affinis 

(topsmelt) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 3.2


Fish length (cm): 11.8


Fish weight (g): 13.2


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.72 (OL) + 0.55 

Weight: WT = 0.1698 SL1.733 

Atherinopsis californiensis 

(jacksmelt) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 6.1


Fish length (cm): 28.7


Fish weight (g): 260.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 4.85 (OL) – 2.46 


Weight: WT = 0.0049 SL3.228


r 2 = 0.891 

r 2 = 0.429 

r 2 = 0.891 

r 2 = 0.429 

r 2 = 0.950 

r 2 = 0.968 
18 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

SCORPAENIDAE


Sebastes auriculatus 

(brown rockfish) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 3.2


Fish length (cm): 6.7


Fish weight (g): 6.9


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.32 (OL) – 5.30 r 2 = 0.940


Weight: No data available


Sebastes constellatus 

(starry rockfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 12.3


Fish length (cm): N/A


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.53 (OL) – 3.75 r 2 = 0.960


Weight: No data available


Sebastes crameri 

(darkblotched rockfish) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 13.9


Fish length (cm): 31.0


Fish weight (g): 1121.5


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.81 (OL) – 2.71 r 2 = 0.940


Weight: No data available


Sebastes diploproa 

(splitnose rockfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 15.1


Fish length (cm): N/A


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.26 (OL) – 1.29 r 2 = 0.960


Weight: No data available

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 19 

SCORPAENIDAE (cont.)


Sebastes flavidus 

(yellowtail rockfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 12.2


Fish length (cm): 24.5


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.65 (OL) – 1.09 r 2 = 0.880


Weight: No data available


Sebastes maliger 

(quillback rockfish) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 13.0


Fish length (cm): 32.5


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.99 (OL) – 5.31 r 2 = 0.860


Weight: No data available


Sebastes melanops 

(black rockfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 12.4


Fish length (cm): 29.0


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.23 (OL) – 1.48 r 2 = 0.749


Weight: WT = 0.1225 SL2.499 r 2 = 0.585


Sebastes miniatus 

(vermillion rockfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 15.1


Fish length (cm): 35.5


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.94 (OL) – 5.67 r 2 = 0.930


Weight: No data available

20 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

SCORPAENIDAE (cont.)


Sebastes mystinus 

(blue rockfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 12.8


Fish length (cm): 29.0


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.98 (OL) – 1.82 r 2 = 0.830


Weight: No data available


Sebastes nebulosus 

(China rockfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 10.7


Fish length (cm): N/A


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.52 (OL) + 3.30 r 2 = 0.790


Weight: No data available


Sebastes paucispinis 

(boccacio) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 14.0


Fish length (cm): 39.8


Fish weight (g): 1191.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.41 (OL) + 0.14 r 2 = 0.769


Weight: No data available


Sebastes pinniger 

(canary rockfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 16.3


Fish length (cm): 31.8


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.94 (OL) – 8.51 r 2 = 0.920


Weight: No data available

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 21 

SCORPAENIDAE (cont.)


Sebastes ruberrimus 

(yellow eye rockfish) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 14.4


Fish length (cm): 34.0


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.13 (OL) – 7.62 r 2 = 0.920


Weight: No data available


Sebastolobus alascanus 

(shortspine thornyhead) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 14.1


Fish length (cm): 27.7


Fish weight (g): 515.6


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.31 (OL) – 3.71 r 2 = 0.828


Weight: WT = 0.0102 SL3.239 r 2 = 0.988


Sebastolobus altivelis 

(longspine thornyhead) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 10.9


Fish length (cm): 24.5


Fish weight (g): 328.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 4.94 (OL) – 27.50 r 2 = 0.839


Weight: WT = 0.0155 SL3.113 r 2 = 0.997

22 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

ANOPLOPOMATIDAE


Anoplopoma fimbria 

(sablefish) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.2


Fish length (cm): 36.4


Fish weight (g): 541.7


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 5.28 (OL) + 1.62 r 2 = 0.955


Weight: WT = 0.0163 SL2.902 r 2 = 0.993


Anoplopoma fimbria 

(sablefish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 7.7


Fish length (cm): 41.6


Fish weight (g): 868.1


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 5.28 (OL) + 1.62 r 2 = 0.955


Weight: WT = 0.0163 SL2.902 r 2 = 0.993


HEXAGRAMMIDAE


Ophiodon elongatus 

(lingcod) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 9.1


Fish length (cm): 62.0


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 8.23 (OL) – 8.20 r 2 = 0.722


Weight: WT = 0.0023 SL3.567 r 2 = 0.620


Ophiodon elongatus 

(lingcod) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 5.3


Fish length (cm): 38.2


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 8.23 (OL) – 8.20 r 2 = 0.722


Weight: WT = 0.0023 SL3.567 r 2 = 0.620

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 23 

HEXAGRAMMIDAE (cont.)


Ophiodon elongatus 

(lingcod) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 9.0


Fish length (cm): 62.0


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 8.23 (OL) – 8.20 r 2 = 0.722


Weight: WT = 0.0023 SL3.567 r 2 = 0.620


Pleurogrammus monopterygius 

(Atka mackerel) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 3.5


Fish length (cm): 21.2


Fish weight (g): 108.8


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 8.40 (OL) – 4.99 r 2 = 0.864


Weight: WT = 0.0034 FL3.401 r 2 = 0.987


COTTIDAE


Chitonotus pugetensis 

(roughback sculpin) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 2.9


Fish length (cm): 6.0


Fish weight (g): 3.3


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.37 (OL) – 4.52 r 2 = 0.857


Weight: WT = 0.0217 SL2.871 r 2 = 0.960


Dasycottus setiger 

(spinyhead sculpin) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 8.5


Fish length (cm): N/A


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 3.11 (OL) – 7.03 r 2 = 0.655


Weight: No data available

24 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

COTTIDAE (cont.)


Dasycottus setiger 

(spinyhead sculpin) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 8.3


Fish length (cm): N/A


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 3.11 (OL) – 7.03 r 2 = 0.655


Weight: No data available


Gymnocanthus galeatus 

(armorhead sculpin) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 6.6


Fish length (cm): 13.4


Fish weight (g): 43.5


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.75 (OL) + 0.82 r 2 = 0.476


Weight: WT = 0.0100 SL3.196 r 2 = 0.939


Gymnocanthus galeatus 

(armorhead sculpin) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 6.5


Fish length (cm): 11.3


Fish weight (g): 22.4


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.75 (OL) + 0.82 r 2 = 0.476


Weight: WT = 0.0100 SL3.196 r 2 = 0.939


Leptocottus armatus 

(Pacific staghorn sculpin) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 5.2


Fish length (cm): 11.5


Fish weight (g): 30.5


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.58 (OL) – 2.26 r 2 = 0.928


Weight: WT = 0.0111 SL3.229 r 2 = 0.990

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 25 

COTTIDAE (cont.)


Leptocottus armatus 

(Pacific staghorn sculpin) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 5.8


Fish length (cm): 13.6


Fish weight (g): 46.5


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.58 (OL) – 2.26 r 2 = 0.928


Weight: WT = 0.0111 SL3.229 r 2 = 0.990


Leptocottus armatus 

(Pacific staghorn sculpin) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.1


Fish length (cm): 13.5


Fish weight (g): 47.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.58 (OL) – 2.26 r 2 = 0.928


Weight: WT = 0.0111 SL3.229 r 2 = 0.990


AGONIDAE 

Podothecus acipenserinus 

(sturgeon poacher) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 4.2


Fish length (cm): 19.1


Fish weight (g): 54.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 6.58 (OL) – 6.21 r 2 = 0.840


Weight: WT = 0.0030 SL3.233 r 2 = 0.956


CARANGIDAE 

Trachurus symmetricus 

(Jack mackerel) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 7.6


Fish length (cm): 26.8


Fish weight (g): 266.0


Regression equations:


Length: Not significant r 2 = 0.141


Weight: WT = 0.0635 SL2.556 r 2 = 0.761

26 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

SCIAENIDAE


Genyonemus lineatus 

(white croaker) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 10.2


Fish length (cm): 20.5


Fish weight (g): 171.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.52 (OL) + 4.66 r 2 = 0.534


Weight: WT = 0.0550 SL2.700 r 2 = 0.767


Genyonemus lineatus (lateral view)


(white croaker)


Left otolith; length (mm): 10.2


Fish length (cm): 20.5


Fish weight (g): 171.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.52 (OL) + 4.66 r 2 = 0.534


Weight: WT = 0.0550 SL2.700 r 2 = 0.767


EMBIOTOCIDAE


Cymatogaster aggregata 

(shiner perch) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 6.3


Fish length (cm): 10.1


Fish weight (g): 35.7


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.74 (OL) – 0.52 r 2 = 0.925


Weight: WT = 0.0100 SL3.515 r 2 = 0.979


Cymatogaster aggregata 

(shiner perch) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.3


Fish length (cm): 10.7


Fish weight (g): 38.6


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.74 (OL) – 0.52 r 2 = 0.925


Weight: WT = 0.0100 SL3.515 r 2 = 0.979

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 27 

EMBIOTOCIDAE (cont.)


Embiotoca jacksoni 

(black perch) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 7.4


Fish length (cm): 15.6


Fish weight (g): 169.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.45 (OL) – 2.61 r 2 = 0.947


Weight: WT = 0.0282 SL3.148 r 2 = 0.992


Embiotoca lateralis 

(striped seaperch) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 10.5


Fish length (cm): 24.2


Fish weight (g): 540.2


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.90 (OL) – 5.68 r 2 = 0.990


Weight: WT = 0.0329 SL3.043 r 2 = 0.998


Hyperprosopon argenteum 

(walleye surfperch) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 7.9


Fish length (cm): 18.7


Fish weight (g): 213.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.57 (OL) – 2.83 r 2 = 0.987


Weight: WT = 0.0116 SL3.361 r 2 = 0.996


Phanerodon furcatus 

(white seaperch) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 8.7


Fish length (cm): 23.5


Fish weight (g): 402.2


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.33 (OL) – 2.15 r 2 = 0.912


Weight: WT = 0.0213 SL3.086 r 2 = 0.997

28 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

EMBIOTOCIDAE (cont.)


Rhacochilus vacca 

(pile perch) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 11.8


Fish length (cm): 31.2


Fish weight (g): 1326.40


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.35 (OL) – 8.19 r 2 = 0.965


Weight: WT = 0.0182 SL3.218 r 2 = 0.997


Zalembius rosaceus 

(pink seaperch) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 4.7


Fish length (cm): 8.9


Fish weight (g): 19.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 1.88 (OL) – 0.07 r 2 = 0.912


Weight: WT = 0.0199 SL3.102 r 2 = 0.841


BATHYMASTERIDAE


Bathymaster signatus 

(searcher) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.3


Fish length (cm): 21.0


Fish weight (g): 150.3


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.48 (OL) + 1.90 r 2 = 0.883


Weight: WT = 0.0038 SL3.256 r 2 = 0.991


Bathymaster signatus 

(searcher) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.9


Fish length (cm): 23.3


Fish weight (g): 212.9


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.48 (OL) + 1.90 r 2 = 0.883


Weight: WT = 0.0038 SL3.256 r 2 = 0.991

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 29 

ZOARCIDAE


Lycodes brevipes 

(shortfin eelpout) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 5.1


Fish length (cm): 24.0


Fish weight (g): 61.3


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 3.47 (OL) + 4.83 r 2 = 0.520


Weight: WT = 0.0195 FL2.522 r 2 = 0.826


Lycodes cortezianus 

(bigfin eelpout) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 4.9


Fish length (cm): 38.5


Fish weight (g): 286.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 10.96 (OL) – 21.82 r 2 = 0.742


Weight: WT = 0.0018 SL3.245 r 2 = 0.993


Lycodopsis pacifica 

(blackbelly eelpout) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 3.6


Fish length (cm): 19.5


Fish weight (g): 30.6


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.82 (OL) + 4.89 r 2 = 0.610


Weight: WT = 0.0018 SL3.302 r 2 = 0.954

30 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

TRICHODONTIDAE


Trichodon trichodon 

(Pacific sandfish) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 4.0


Fish length (cm): N/A


Fish weight (g): N/A


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 6.06 (OL) – 4.57 r 2 = 0.684


Weight: WT = 0.0170 FL2.953 r 2 = 0.971


AMMODYTIDAE 

Ammodytes hexapterus 

(Pacific sand lance) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 2.4


Fish length (cm): 11.7


Fish weight (g): 6.4


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 4.06 (OL) + 2.01 r 2 = 0.433


Weight: WT = 0.0063 SL2.790 r 2 = 0.913


BOTHIDAE


Citharichthys sordidus 

(Pacific sanddab) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.3


Fish length (cm): 23.0


Fish weight (g): 175.8


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.87 (OL) + 3.29 r 2 = 0.727


Weight: WT = 0.0352 SL2.710 r 2 = 0.851


Citharichthys sordidus 

(Pacific sanddab) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 5.8


Fish length (cm): 20.6


Fish weight (g): 119.5


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.87 (OL) + 3.29 r 2 = 0.727


Weight: WT = 0.0352 SL2.710 r 2 = 0.851

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 31 

PLEURONECTIDAE


Atheresthes stomias 

(arrowtooth flounder) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 9.0


Fish length (cm): 37.5


Fish weight (g): 662.6


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 4.75 (OL) – 2.96 r 2 = 0.925


Weight: WT = 0.0093 FL2.999 r 2 = 0.961


Eopsetta exilis 

(slender sole) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 4.6


Fish length (cm): 19.6


Fish weight (g): 95.4


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.37 (OL) + 1.08 r 2 = 0.771


Weight: WT = 0.0058 SL3.293 r 2 = 0.974


Eopsetta exilis 

(slender sole) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 4.6


Fish length (cm): 18.5


Fish weight (g): 61.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.37 (OL) + 1.08 r 2 = 0.771


Weight: WT = 0.0058 SL3.293 r 2 = 0.974


Eopsetta jordani 

(petrale sole) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 7.3


Fish length (cm): 29.0


Fish weight (g): 502.7


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 4.85 (OL) – 4.81 r 2 = 0.857


Weight: WT = 0.0086 SL3.231 r 2 = 0.986

32 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

PLEURONECTIDAE (cont.)


Errex zachirus 

(rex sole) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 6.6


Fish length (cm): 27.2


Fish weight (g): 171.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 4.80 (OL) – 2.50 r 2 = 0.869


Weight: WT = 0.0238 SL2.692 r 2 = 0.932


Hippoglossoides elassodon 

(flathead sole) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 5.5


Fish length (cm): 19.1


Fish weight (g): 117.3


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 4.63 (OL) – 0.71 r 2 = 0.947


Weight: WT = 0.0078 FL3.041 r 2 = 0.984


Hippoglossus stenolepis 

(Pacific halibut) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 12.8


Fish length (cm): 80.0


Fish weight (g): 6,600.0


Regression equations:


Length: No data available 

Weight: No data available 

Hypsopsetta guttulata 

(diamond turbot) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 4.8


Fish length (cm): 21.3


Fish weight (g): 345.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 4.89 (OL) – 0.29 r 2 = 0.835


Weight: WT = 0.0853 SL2.664 r 2 = 0.967

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 33 

PLEURONECTIDAE (cont.)


Hypsopsetta guttulata 

(diamond turbot) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 4.7


Fish length (cm): 21.3


Fish weight (g): 345.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 4.89 (OL) – 0.29 r 2 = 0.835


Weight: WT = 0.0853 SL2.664 r 2 = 0.967


Microstomus pacificus 

(Dover sole) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 5.3


Fish length (cm): 26.9


Fish weight (g): 268.1


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.72 (OL) + 6.97 r 2 = 0.587


Weight: WT = 0.0094 SL3.092 r 2 = 0.854


Microstomus pacificus 

(Dover sole) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 5.4


Fish length (cm): 26.9


Fish weight (g): 268.1


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.72 (OL) + 6.97 r 2 = 0.587


Weight: WT = 0.0094 SL3.092 r 2 = 0.854


Microstomus pacificus 

(Dover sole) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 4.6


Fish length (cm): 26.2


Fish weight (g): 239.5


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.72 (OL) + 6.97 r 2 = 0.587


Weight: WT = 0.0094 SL3.092 r 2 = 0.854

34 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

PLEURONECTIDAE (cont.)


Microstomus pacificus 

(Dover sole) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 4.8


Fish length (cm): 26.7


Fish weight (g): 289.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.72 (OL) + 6.97 r 2 = 0.587


Weight: WT = 0.0094 SL3.092 r 2 = 0.854


Platichthys stellatus 

(starry flounder) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 7.0


Fish length (cm): 27.6


Fish weight (g): 547.4


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.35 (OL) + 0.23 r 2 = 0.814


Weight: WT = 0.0107 SL3.268 r 2 = 0.985


Pleuronectes asper 

(yellowfin sole) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.6


Fish length (cm): 25.3


Fish weight (g): 294.4


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 2.17 (OL) + 10.65 r 2 = 0.638


Weight: WT = 0.0024 SL3.605 r 2 = 0.859


Pleuronectes bilineatus 

(rock sole) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 6.8


Fish length (cm): 23.5


Fish weight (g): 287.2


Regression equations:


Length: FL = 6.16 (OL) – 6.97 r 2 = 0.841


Weight: WT = 0.0112 FL2.997 r 2 = 0.931

Harvey et al.: Relationship between Fish Size and Otolith Length for 63 Species of Fishes from the Eastern North Pacific Ocean 35 

PLEURONECTIDAE (cont.)


Pleuronectes vetulus 

(English sole) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 6.6


Fish length (cm): 21.2


Fish weight (g): 104.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.82 (OL) – 2.76 r 2 = 0.965


Weight: WT = 0.0163 SL2.939 r 2 = 0.995


Pleuronectes vetulus 

(English sole) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 9.0


Fish length (cm): 32.3


Fish weight (g): 439.2


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.82 (OL) – 2.76 r 2 = 0.965


Weight: WT = 0.0163 SL2.939 r 2 = 0.995


Psettichthys melanostictus 

(sand sole) 

Right otolith; length (mm): 5.2


Fish length (cm): 23.0


Fish weight (g): 288.0


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 5.06 (OL) – 3.18 r 2 = 0.942


Weight: WT = 0.0052 SL3.441 r 2 = 0.983


Psettichthys melanostictus 

(sand sole) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 4.5


Fish length (cm): 21.7


Fish weight (g): 231.3


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 5.06 (OL) – 3.18 r 2 = 0.942


Weight: WT = 0.0052 SL3.441 r 2 = 0.983

36 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 150 

SOLEIDAE


Symphurus atricauda 

(California tonguefish) 

Left otolith; length (mm): 2.3


Fish length (cm): 14.5


Fish weight (g): 33.2


Regression equations:


Length: SL = 3.56 (OL) + 4.64 r 2 = 0.464


Weight: WT = 0.0074SL3.136 r 2 = 0.789