Preliminary results on organic and mineral fractions in otoliths of three fish species from Adriatic Sea.

The otolith microstructure is governed by the organic matrix and may be linked to the ontogenetic and phylogenetic differentiation of otolith shape. It is also a potential indicator of environmental, community, population and individual fish levels. This preliminary study showed intrainter specific quantitative differences in the organic matrix contents in the otolith, suggesting changes in the degree of mineralization. In fact, in the same species, juveniles showed a greater contents of organic matrix respect to adults and differences between species. Adults showed differences between the different ecological types.