Greetings Histonetters:

Has anyone done aging of fish on decalcified otoliths (earbones) embedded in
paraffin?  I am concerned that I won't see the growth rings after
decalcification.  If it can be done, how should the otolith be oriented for
sectioning?  Is H&E a good stain?  I have a fisheries biologist who used to
do histo thinking that this might be an easier method than grinding the
otoliths.  He wants to do this on striped bass (Morone saxatilis).

Thanks for your help.

Regards -
Carol
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Carol B. McCollough, HT(ASCP)
Diagnostics & Histology Laboratory Manager
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fisheries Service
Cooperative Oxford Laboratory
904 S. Morris Street
Oxford, MD 21654