When measuring your fish for this project, please use fork length (FL) in inches. Fork length is defined as the length from the tip of the snout or
jaw (most anterior part of fish) to the tip of the middle of the tail (tip of median caudal fin rays). Although the fish pictured is a red snapper, this method of measurement is correct for all of the species in this study.
The accuracy of fish measurements we receive is very important. Most of our tagged fish are undersized. some of these fish are recaptured multiple times over significant time periods, but must be released because they are
undersized. These multiple recaptures proc\vide data not only on fish movements or the lack of it (site fidelity) but also contribute to our fish growth database.
Growth rates obtained from the tagging data can be compared
to growth rates determined from the fishes' otoliths. Otoliths are calcium carbonate deposits which are part of the boney fish hearing system.
Growth rings similar to those found in tree trunks can be counted on the otolith and used to determine the age of the fish.
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY
When measuring your fish for this project, please use fork length (FL) in inches. Fork length is defined as the length from the tip of the snout or
jaw (most anterior part of fish) to the tip of the middle of the tail (tip of median caudal fin rays). Although the fish pictured is a red snapper, this method of measurement is correct for all of the species in this study.