Age Estimation of Utah Chub in Henrys Lake, Idaho Using Otoliths, Scales, and Pectoral Fin Rays

Calcified structures are the most commonly used method for obtaining estimates of fish age.  Age estimates are often used to estimate growth and mortality and allow fishery managers to make informed management decisions. Otoliths are generally considered the most accurate structure for estimating fish age for many species. Although lapilli otoliths have been shown to provide accurate age estimates for Utah Chubs Gila atraria other calcified structures have not been evaluated.  Pectoral fin rays and scales may provide non-lethal alternatives for estimating the age of Utah Chub.  Our objectives were to determine if age estimates from pectoral fin rays, scales, lapilli and asterici otoliths were similar for Utah Chubs collected from Henrys Lake, Idaho.  We also sought to determine if among-reader precision differed among structures.