Otolith microchemistry of Nezumia aequalis (Pisces: Macrouridae) from widely different habitats in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Otoliths were obtained from Nezumia aequalis, a small macrourid that is widely distributed throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean-two very different physical environments. Microchemical analysis of the otoliths was carried out using solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of whole otoliths. Significant differences between fish populations were found for concentrations of the elements Li and Sr. Only 54% of the samples were correctly classified by area using discriminant analysis. Otolith samples from the Reykjanes Ridge were most easily distinguished. The results are discussed in relation to trace element concentrations in the waters of the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.