Acta Zoologica

Parreira. I.P. 2025. Age structure and size variation in three closely related species of casque‐headed frogs of the genus Trachycephalus (Hylidae: Lophyohylini)—Acta zoologica (Estocolmo). This study provides insights into longevity, sexual maturity and growth curves in closely related casque‐headed treefrogs distributed across distinct Brazilian biomes. Age estimation based on the counting of lines of arrested growth (LAGs) in bone tissue revealed a longevity of 6 years in Trachycephalus nigromaculatus and T. atlas, which is uncommon among Neotropical species. T. mambaiensis exhibited a distinct pattern of sexual maturity compared to the other species, suggesting divergent developmental strategies within the clade and possibly reflecting a higher reproductive investment at younger ages. A correlation between estimated age and snout–vent length (SVL) was observed in two of the three analysed species (T. nigromaculatus and T. atlas); however, this correlation may vary depending on the sampled locality and sample size. The growth model revealed distinct patterns within the clade: T. nigromaculatus exhibited a decline in growth rate corresponding to the age of sexual maturity, whereas T. atlas showed a non‐stabilised growth pattern. Our findings provide novel information for understanding the life history of explosive breeding species and emphasise the importance of museum specimens in ecological and evolutionary research.

The Micro‐computed X‐ray tomography (micro‐CT) technique is used to examine the external and internal anatomy of four species of Pectinariidae (Annelida: Terebellida): Amphictene auricoma, Cistenides granulata, Cistenides hyperborea and Lagis sp., from material collected off Iceland and NW Spain. The main aims were: (1) to provide new and additional observations on pectinariid external and internal anatomy, (2) to test the usefulness and limitations of micro‐CT against other techniques and 3) to explore for characters with potential taxonomic value to be studied in the future. Micro‐CT provided good images of several external relevant taxonomic characters such as paleae, cephalic veil, scaphe, scaphal hooks and anal lobe, but was especially useful for the examination of internal anatomy. The best visualized organs were those of higher tissue density (i.e. body musculature, digestive tract, main blood vessel, glands), whereas less electrodense tissues (i.e. peritoneal lining/septa, nephridia, nervous system) were less evident. Images of internal organs showed heterogeneous results: micro‐CT may serve well to assess regionalization of digestive system and its variability across taxa, together with musculature and glands, while images of circulatory and nervous systems only show good results in their more electrodense components (main blood vessels/heart and ventral nerve cord/brain, respectively).

Otolith characteristics such as size and weight were inspected in 1275 fish specimens of Saurida lessepsianus Russell, Golani and Tikochinski, 2015 collected from the coast of Muğla province, Aegean Sea, Türkiye. The purpose was to compute the asymmetry level of the otolith length (OL), otolith width (OW) and otolith weight (OWe). The asymmetry estimated for otolith length was greater than that of otolith width and otolith width. The asymmetry estimation of the three otolith traits augmented with the upsurge in the fish's length. The feasible reason for asymmetry in the otolith features explored has been linked to the inconsistency in growth provoked by natural stress associated with the discrepancy in water temperature, salinity, depth and contaminants present on the coast of Muğla province.

Excessive metal pollution from anthropogenic activities like mining and industrial waste discharge has increasingly impacted freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater chelonians (Testudines) are bioindicators of environmental pollution because of their longevity, ecological diversity, and trophic positioning. This systematic review assessed toxic metal bioaccumulation in freshwater turtles across the American continent, focusing on mercury (Hg), a global public health and ecological concern. A comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science identified 620 papers, of which 32 met the inclusion criteria. The United States and Brazil (93.6%) contributed the most data, with Chelydra serpentina and Podocnemis expansa frequently studied, followed by Canada (4.26%) and Colombia (2.13%). Hg was the predominant contaminant (75% of studies), with the highest concentrations observed in hatchlings and keratinized tissues, such as carapace and claws. Bioaccumulation patterns varied by region, species and life stage, emphasizing physiological and reproductive impacts. This review highlights the need for noninvasive sampling methods and long‐term monitoring to guide conservation strategies and assess ecosystem and turtle health. It also highlights the significant lack of data in South America and the lack of studies on juveniles and eggs. Freshwater chelonians remain essential for understanding contamination dynamics and mitigating environmental degradation in aquatic habitats.

The brachiopod mantle, which has a row of setae along its edge, plays a crucial role in environmental interactions and defence reflexes, triggering rapid valve closure. However, the organization of the muscular and nervous systems in the mantle of rhynchonelliform brachiopods, as well as the sensory mechanisms of the mantle setae, remains largely unexplored. In this study, we present a morpho‐functional analysis of the neuromuscular system of the mantle in the brachiopod Hemithiris psittacea, using transmission electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and in vivo video recordings of mantle movements. The mantle contains numerous thin muscles extending from its central region to the periphery, but not reaching the mantle edge. The contraction of these muscles allows the mantle with setae to retract into the mantle cavity. Additionally, the mantle is innervated by numerous radial nerves that connect to the marginal mantle nerve. We demonstrate that mantle contraction may occur independently of the central nervous system. However, the subenteric ganglion plays a role in maintaining the mantle in a pre‐contracting state during rest, thus enhancing the sensory selectivity of the setal sensory complexes.

We compared acetabular traits among canid and non‐canid museum specimens, using the same pre‐established protocols. We hypothesized conserved, intersecting development‐growth and insult‐response biology, reflecting morphologically and being highly similar across carnivoran taxa. We evaluated acetabular traits from dry bone museum specimens of Vulpes lagopus, Vulpes vulpes, Nyctereutes procyonoides, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, Canis lupus familiaris and Canis latrans. The same was done from Procyon lotor (Procyonidae), Taxidea taxus (Mustelidae) and Lynx rufus (Felidae). We assessed intra‐articular structures as: (a) acetabular fossa; (b) medial articular margin; (c) lateral articular margin; and (d) articular surface. Each scoring category included multiple subcategories. The primary observed traits across taxa included variably shaped mineralized foci, bony rimming of articular margins and rough‐surfaced or worn articular bone. These traits occurred in a very similar fashion across taxa. We then evaluated only the most frequently occurring 80% of the data within the scoring category, observing only minor differences among taxa. The consistency of trait expression supports broad conservation and intersection of development and response capacities. The exact phylogenetic nature of the trait relationships requires further evaluation across development and growth; usually undetected early life damage; degrees of parallel responses across multiple diarthrodial joints within taxon; and the extent of morphological similarity across other carnivorans and non‐carnivorans.

Dynastinae are among the most diverse groups of scarab beetles, with body sizes ranging from 10 to 225 mm. People often focus on larger male beetles with prominent horns, while smaller species, particularly their larvae, are frequently overlooked. In this study, the final‐instar larvae of Eophileurus chinensis were observed and described using scanning electron microscopy. The larvae are notable for their coarse punctures on the head capsule, paired angular processes on the labrum, a prominent truncate process on the haptomerum, mandibles with a prominent left S4 tooth and a subtle right one, and thoracic claws flattened at the apex. This unique combination of traits distinguishes them from all previously described species. Additionally, the living strategies underlying their relatively small size and life history strategies were briefly discussed.

The present study aims to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of the vertebral column, fin structure and caudal skeleton of 21 species of Pseudophoxinus and Egirdira nigra (Family: Leuciscidae) collected from various freshwater locations across Türkiye. Using mammographic imaging, eight distinct characteristics of the vertebral column and caudal skeleton were examined: the structure of the vertebral column, vertebral column regionalization, interdigitation of the pterygiophores with the neural spines of the dorsal fin, interdigitation of the pterygiophores with the haemal spines of the anal fin, the caudal fin formula, distribution of the dorsal procurrent caudal fin, distribution of the ventral procurrent caudal fin and the description of the caudal fin skeleton. These features were documented for all species studied. The findings reveal that osteological data vary among the species examined, highlighting that the structure of the vertebral column and caudal skeleton can serve as valuable tools in the taxonomic classification of Pseudophoxinus species and E. nigra. Additionally, this study introduces a novel approach for defining the regions of the vertebral column, dividing it into four distinct regions: postcranial, middle (comprising both anterior and posterior sections) and caudal regions. Furthermore, the research identifies specific osteological features that could serve as effective taxonomic criteria to differentiate E. nigra from the species within Pseudophoxinus. This new anatomical data contributes to a deeper understanding of the taxonomy and systematics of these species in Türkiye.

The relationship between fish total length and otolith length, width and weight was studied in the synodontid species Saurida lessepsianus collected from the coast of Muğla province, Aegean Sea, Türkiye. Saurida lessepsianus is regarded as a marketable fish in Türkiye. The objective of the study at hand was to evaluate the statistical association between fish total length and the otolith length, width and weight. This evidence will be significant in future investigations on the biology of this species, which will offer the key data about feeding, age and growth of this species. Linear and non‐linear regression models were utilized. The results obtained from this examination were the first to address the relationship between otolith traits and total length for S. lessepsianus collected from Turkish marine waters.

This study examines eight skeletal features to distinguish species within the Cobitidae and Nemacheilidae families, focusing on the vertebral column, fin structure and caudal fin rays. The study analyses the construction and regionalization of the vertebral column, the interdigitation of pterygiophores with neural and haemal spines in the dorsal and anal fins, and the distribution of procurrent rays in the caudal fin. These characteristics are used to identify taxonomically relevant traits and separate species within these two families. The study also proposes a new method for defining vertebral column regions and presents new anatomical data for cobitoid species in Iran, including the division of the vertebral column into five regions: postcranial, abdominal (anterior and posterior) and caudal (anterior and posterior).

The current study is the first to investigate morphological asymmetry in three otolith features—including length, width and weight—of the striped snakehead, Channa striata (Bloch, 1793), collected from the Ganga River and its two tributaries in India. Among the three otolith characteristics examined, the width exhibited the highest level of asymmetry. Otolith width was greatest in specimens from the Yamuna River (96.42), followed by those from the Ganga River (92.52), and was lowest in specimens from the Gomti River (72.52). Additionally, the study found that the asymmetry value increased with the total length of the fish across the three locations. Potential explanations for the observed asymmetry in these morphological traits are discussed, particularly in relation to variations in growth influenced by ecological factors, including pollutants present in the waters of the three rivers studied.

White grubs are known as the “National pest” of India due to their wide distribution and economic damage. Brahmina coriacea grubs are restricted to Tibet, China and the Himalayan region in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The grubs of B. coriacea were collected from the soil of Solanum tuberosum, Zea mays, Pisum sativum, Rosa rubiginosa, Phaseolus vulgaris, Malus pumila and Pyrus communis from different ecosystems of eight different locations in Himachal Pradesh, India, by the pit sampling method. The grubs of B. coriacea were identified by examining the raster pattern. There was variation in the morphology and biology among different populations of B. coriacea in Himachal Pradesh. The morphological parameters and biological differences were also recorded, such as fecundity rate and damage potential among different ecotypes of B. coriacea collected from various locations. A total of 102 morphologically distinct bacterial isolates were isolated from the gut of different populations of B. coriacea. The gut microbial diversity and abundance were recorded as maximum in the hind gut, compared to other gut compartments. A total of 11 cellulolytic bacterial isolates were identified using morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA molecular methods. The cellulolytic index of bacterial strains ranged from 0.33 to 2.0. The 11 gut cellulolytic bacteria were identified by using morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene analysis. Staphylococcus haemolyticus was isolated from the Nauni population of B. coriacea, and it is the first report from the gut of scarabaeids. This is an opportunistic human pathogen but a useful endosymbiont in the grubs of B. coriacea. Bacillus thuringiensis as a biological agent, Staphylococcus cohnii, Ralstonia mannitolilytica and some Bacillus sp. were reported for the first time from B. coriacea grubs in India. The potent cellulose‐degrading bacteria can be used in industries for decomposing agricultural waste, in pulp and paper industries and for biofuel production.

The relationship between the total length of fish and the morphometric characteristics of their otoliths (length, width, and weight) was examined in striped snakehead (Channa striata, Bloch, 1793) specimens collected from the River Ganga and its two tributaries in India. Channa striata, a commercially valuable species in India, was the focus of this study, which aimed to analyse the statistical correlations between the fish's total and standard lengths and their corresponding otolith measurements, with the expectation that the data will contribute to future research on the species' biology, particularly its age, and growth patterns. Both linear and non‐linear regression models were applied, and the regression equations varied significantly between the three collection sites. These findings represent the first investigation into the relationship between otolith morphology and total fish length for striped snakehead from the River Ganga and its tributaries in India.

The following subject provides an in‐depth look into the significance of rodents in the Souf region concerning agriculture and ecology. The article points out that rodents, as mammals, play a critical role in various ecosystems, with many mammalian species being rodents. They contribute to agriculture, sanitation, food, medicine, ecology and religion. Rodents play a vital role in vegetation dynamics by spreading plant seeds and influencing predator distribution. However, preying on crops can also cause losses in different ways, depending on the plant type and biotope. The study focuses on eight research stations in the Souf region, describing their characteristics and vegetation. The methods used for rodent inventory include fingerprinting, burrow counting and random trapping using different techniques. Statistical methods are then applied to analyse the collected data. The study identifies ten rodent species in the Souf region, belonging to two families, three subfamilies and five genera. The sex distribution varies among species. The study results reveal variations in rodent abundance across different stations and months, with Rattus rattus and Mus musculus being the most common species in certain stations. The diversity and equitability values indicate a relatively balanced distribution among recorded species in the sample period. The study provides comprehensive insights into rodent ecology, behaviour and distribution in the Souf region, emphasizing their importance and potential impacts on agriculture and ecosystems.

The first record of the abnormalities ankylosis (fusion of vertebrae), lordosis (V‐shaped curvature of the vertebral column), kyphosis (Λ‐shaped curvature), and kypholordosis (the presence of both conditions) have been reported in two specimens of Sparus aurata collected from Bafa Lake and Bodrum‐Kıyıkışlacık Coast, Türkiye and used in this study. Both specimens displayed a severe level of deformity. All cases were non‐fatal as they occurred in subadult individuals. Assessment of abnormality in the studied specimen was carried out by the morphological diagnosis and using mammography. Externally, the two specimens have a deeper body than the normal specimen. There was significant osteological damage has been revealed by the mammography of these deformed specimens. The saddleback anomaly is in the anterior part of the spinous part of the dorsal fin that showed no missing spines. In addition, the lateral line was deformed in both specimens examined. In addition, there were several minor skeletal abnormalities. These anomalies have been considered an important indicator of environmentally induced stress on the wild fishes. Hence, the present finding highlights the need for closer monitoring of the marine environment and for the identification of the specific factor that causes these abnormalities.

This study aimed to identify unique traits, grounded in a thorough description of the sagitta otolith of Anguilla anguilla, to characterize its ontogenetic stages between juvenile and preadult individuals. Twenty‐one characteristics were designated to investigate the ontogenetic (when comparing the otolith characteristics of fishes of different sizes, interspecific variation (comparing the otolith characteristics of the studied species with those of related species), and intraspecific variation (comparing the otolith characteristics of the studied species with those of the same species from different localities, i.e. geographical variation). This investigation concluded that the sagittal otoliths exhibited ontogenetic disparities based on the shapes recorded by different age groups. Otoliths of the young individuals belonging to fish total length groups GI and GII have shown differences in shape from those of the older individuals in the other seven length groups surveyed. An assessment of previously available otolith descriptions of A. anguilla collected from other areas revealed differences between species across larger geographic areas, making some features unsuitable for further investigation. However, other otolith traits were found to be reliable across different length groups and could be considered species‐specific features for identification. These traits include otolith width, otolith thickness, the shape of the mesial and lateral surfaces, the shape of the sulcus acusticus, the presence or absence of ostio‐caudal differentiation, and the shape, size, and thickness of the rostrum.

Epictia munoai is a small scolecophidian snake from the subtropical region of South America. It inhabits under rocks of preserved environments. Since basic information concerning the biology of this snake remains unknown, we aimed at presenting information on age, reproductive cycle, and daily and annual activity patterns of E. munoai from Southernmost Brazil. Males and females of E. munoai becomes sexually mature from 3 to 4 years of age, and presents a life expectancy of up to 9 or 10 years. The breeding cycle at the individual level is cyclical and discontinuous, and seasonal at the population level, with breed season from late winter to late spring. Epictia munoai is a diurnal snake, active under rocks during the hottest periods of the day, especially during the spring in southern latitudes. Our results provide new and unprecedented information about the natural history of a small species of South American fossorial snake. Information like this is extremely important as it helps to understand the life history of a species, in addition to serving as a basis for studies in areas such as population ecology, historical demography, phylogeography and conservation biology.

Understanding population structure is crucial for predicting species' responses to environmental change and elucidating evolutionary history. This study investigated the population structure of Periophthalmus waltoni in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman using landmark‐based geometric morphometrics (GMM) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) methods on sagittal otoliths. The objectives were to (i) examine otolith shape variation across different populations and (ii) compare GMM and DWT methods for resolving population differences. Both methods distinguished populations based on general otolith shape, with DWT revealing finer details due to its high accuracy in detecting otolith margins. Interestingly, populations from Sistan‐Baluchestan and Hormozgan, despite geographical separation, showed minimal variation in shape, suggesting environmental factors may influence otolith morphology. Distinct otolith shapes in the Khuzestan population, likely due to geographic isolation, may be influenced by the mangrove forests near Qeshm Island acting as barriers to larval dispersal. This aligns with molecular data and indicates that the relatively young eastern Persian Gulf may also contribute to these differences. Our findings revealed distinct geographical patterns in otolith shape, highlighting the influence of local environmental factors and larval dispersal on population differentiation. These results provide valuable insights into P. waltoni's population structure and evolutionary history, advancing our understanding of its adaptation to the diverse environmental conditions of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea.

Egg laying begins with the orderly development of follicles in the chicken ovaries and transportation through the oviduct with deposition of nutrients until the eggs are produced. However, the ovarian follicles and oviduct morphology of Lohmann Brown and Potchefstroom Koekoek laying hens have not yet been studied. The study aimed to determine the morphological variations of the ovarian follicles and oviduct of Lohmann Brown and Potchefstroom Koekoek laying hens aged 40 weeks. The Student's t‐test results revealed that breed had a significant effect (p < .05) on the weight of the small white follicles (SWF), large white follicles (LWF) and small yellow follicles (SYF), where Lohmann Brown performed higher than Potchefstroom Koekoek. The outcomes also displayed that breed had a significant effect (p < .05) on the number of LWF and SYF. The results further displayed that breed had a significant effect (p < .05) on the weight of F2, F3, F4 and F5. The outcomes showed that breed had a significant effect (p < .05) on the weights of the infundibulum, magnum and isthmus, where Lohmann Brown displayed a higher performance than Potchefstroom Koekoek. Furthermore, the findings revealed that breed had a significant effect (p < .05) on the lengths of the magnum, isthmus and shell gland, where Lohmann Brown displayed a better performance than Potchefstroom Koekoek. The findings also showed that the discriminant variables in the study are the isthmus length, isthmus weight and magnum length. In conclusion, there are morphological variations in the weights and numbers of the ovarian follicles, and the weights and lengths of the oviduct segments of Lohmann Brown and Potchefstroom Koekoek laying hens.

Sylviocarcinus pictus is a freshwater crab widely distributed across the Amazon basin and coastal basins of northern South America. In the Xingu River basin, Pará, Brazil, the species is found from its middle portion up to the confluence with the Amazon River. This extensive distribution led to questions about the influence of the Volta Grande do Xingu rapids on genetic diversification between populations above and below this area. To explore this hypothesis, 39 mitochondrial gene sequences (COI and 16S rRNA) from 22 samples collected from both areas were analysed in a phylogeographic context. Bayesian Inference and haplotype networks revealed at least two genetically distinct lineages of S. pictus in the Xingu River. The resulting genetic structure found within these populations raised questions about the taxonomic cohesion of the taxon and the potential existence of cryptic species that warrant further investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular study on the genetic structure of a Sylviocarcinus species from the Amazon basin. Given the novelty and the underestimated diversity in this region, we advocate for additional studies on morphological and taxonomic approaches about this taxon to contribute to a future understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus.

Otoliths from four species of scorpaenids–Helicolenus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809), Scorpaena elongata Cadenat, 1943, Scorpaena notata Rafinesque, 1810, and Scorpaena scrofa Linnaeus, 1758–were collected from Antalya Bay along the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye. The fish were captured using a commercial bottom trawl net with a mesh size of 44 mm (22 mm in the cod end). The fishing grounds varied in depth from 40 to 160 meters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were utilized to analyse the otoliths’ characteristics. Twenty‐one distinct features were defined to describe their shapes. Among these, 8 characteristics were consistent across both juvenile and adult otoliths, while 13 features exhibited developmental variation. The results reveal four types of variations: ontogenetic, interspecific, intraspecific, and sexual dimorphism. A comparison with previously documented otoliths of these species from different regions indicates a uniformity intraspecifically across extensive geographic ranges, suggesting that these characteristics are valuable for identification purposes. The diagnostic features of the otoliths can aid in confirming species identity. Additionally, a SEM‐based iconography of the otoliths for all studied species is provided.

Bangasternus planifrons (Brullé, 1832) specimens collected from Ankara‐Bala were studied. The paper presents a scanning electron microscopic examination of ultrastructural features of aedeagus and spermatheca of Bangasternus planifrons (Brullé, 1832) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Rhinocyllini) from Türkiye for the first time. The fact that Bangasternus is a genus with three species in Türkiye makes the study more important. Accordingly, detailed investigation of aedeagus and spermatheca is very important to obtain new diagnostic characteristics in Bangasternus. The parts which include systematic characters such as spermatheca, genital spicule, sternite eight and coxite figures were drawn in detail and these characters were discussed on species, genera and tribus levels. While significant differences were observed among the species in genital spicula, coxite, stylus and spermateca, a difference that would reveal a genus discrimination character by evaluating these structures could not be obtained according to the available findings. Photos in stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope are also given in the text.

Caterpillars have a significant impact on human economy, because their plant‐attacking and silk‐producing habits. The larval mouthparts play a crucial role in feeding and spinning and exhibit an extremely morphological diversity, which is closely related to their taxonomic status, feeding habits, and even the developmental stages. However, the larval mouthparts have not been fully elucidated in the megadiverse Sphingidae. In this study, the larval mouthparts of Ampelophaga rubiginosa Bremer & Grey, 1853, Laothoe amurensis (Staudinger, 1892), Smeritus planus Walker, 1856, Dolbina tancrei Staudinger,1887, Phyllosphingia dissimilis (Bremer, 1861), and Marumba sperchius (Ménétriés, 1857) were morphologically observed and compared using scanning electron microscopy. The mouthparts of six species are morphologically diverse on the labral notches, mandibles, spinneret and labial palps arrangement of the mouthparts. The morphological diversity of larval mouthparts is briefly discussed, considering their taxonomical and functional aspects.

Killifishes (family Aphaniidae) in southern Iran demonstrate long‐time acclimation to extreme euryhaline environments. This study provides a detailed histological and ultrastructural characterization of gill morphology in two sympatric endemic aphaniids, Aphaniops furcatus and Aphaniops hormuzensis, inhabiting an ecologically extreme environment in southern Iran. Specimens were collected from the Khurgu hot‐sulphuric spring in the Hormozgan River System which drains into the Persian Gulf, and examined using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both species exhibited gill structures typical of teleosts, with primary and secondary lamellae essential for efficient gas exchange. In A. furcatus, gills displayed variations linked to size and gender, with numerous secondary lamellae and a variety of epithelial cells, including squamous, chloride, mucus, blood, and pillar cells. Air exposure led to interlamellar cell masses (ILCM) growth, reducing the lamellae surface area. In A. hormuzensis, gill arches featured a double row of primary filaments with secondary lamellae facilitating oxygen exchange, supported by pillar cells and dense distribution of mucous cells throughout the epithelium. The study highlights the adaptive mechanisms of A. furcatus in response to fluctuating environmental conditions and underscores the evolutionary conservation of gill morphology among teleosts. These findings provide crucial insights into respiratory efficiency and ecological adaptability, emphasizing eco‐evolutionary acclimation to extreme aquatic habitats.

Otolith features (length, width and weight) of 74 individuals of Anguilla anguilla collected from the Söke District of Aydın Province in Western Anatolia, Türkiye were studied for the first time to evaluate the level of asymmetry in the otolith features selected for this study. The asymmetry value of the otolith length was greater than that of otolith width and otolith weight. The asymmetry value of the three otolith features increased with an increase in the fish's length. The likely cause of asymmetry in the otolith parameters examined has been discussed in relation with the variability in growth provoked by ecological influence associated with the discrepancy in habitat setting and contaminants present in the Söke District of Aydın Province in Western Anatolia, Türkiye.