The otoliths of the antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii: scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies.

The authors studied the otoliths of the Nototheniid Trematomus bernacchii with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Results obtained reveal that three otoliths are present: a large sagitta, a lapillus and a fragile asteriscus. Their sensorial faces appear finely decorated as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sagitta and the lapillus are aragonitic while the asteriscus is vateritic, as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction.