MEPS 251:255-261 (2003)  -  doi:10.3354/meps251255

ABSTRACT: A comparative study of the otolith microstructure of glass eels Anguilla celebesensis from the Indonesian and Philippine coasts determined the timing of metamorphosis and age at recruitment to freshwater habitats; 2 samples from Indonesia were analyzed and statistically compared with a previously published sample analyzed using the same techniques. Ages at metamorphosis and at recruitment were, respectively: 98 ± 7.2 d (mean ± SD) and 122 ± 7.2 d for specimens from the Poso River in Indonesia; 90 ± 13.6 and 112 ± 14.2 d for specimens from the Poigar River in Indonesia; and 124 ± 12.0 and 157 ± 13.7 d for specimens from the northern Philippines. The average duration of metamorphosis was very similar (15 to 17 d) in all specimens. A close linear relationship was found between age at metamorphosis and age at recruitment. These findings and the regional geography of the islands and ocean currents suggest that A. celebesensis has several spawning areas and potentially isolated populations in the region, as has been suggested for another, more widely distributed tropical anguillid, A. marmorata.

KEY WORDS: Glass eels · Otolith microstructure · Metamorphosis · Recruitment · Ocean currents