Shape indices to identify regional differences in otolith morphology of comber, <i>Serranus cabrilla</i> (L., 1758)

Sagittal otoliths from the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions of Serranus cabrilla L. were compared using shape indices (form-factor, roundness, circularity, rectangularity, ellipticity and eccentricity). Regional differences were best described by form-factor, circularity and eccentricity variables. The canonical discriminant functions were built with form-factor or rectangularity indices. The results indicated slight regional variations. The G-test was the criterion more useful to identify the otolith origin in the discriminant analysis.