The Use of Otoliths for Aging Morone Hybrids

The use of otoliths for aging hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis), proved successful in central Florida where reading scales is not a reliable method. Verification of annulus formation was accomplished by checking known-age fish, determining the time of annulus formation and comparing assigned ages of fish with stocking records to verify that the number of annuli was not greater than expected. Aging by reading otoliths revealed that hybrids live at least 3 years longer than indicated by reported growth rates and length frequency analysis.