Age determination and growth rate of eels, <i>Anguilla anguilla</i> (L)

Abstract

Measurements taken from a series of photographs of otoliths of 37 eels caught in a stretch of river of 150m length were used to prepare a growth curve based on back‐calculated measurements. Values of L ∞= 1045 and K = 0.046 were determined. Mean incremental growth calculated as 33 mm per year agreed closely with increments determined from growth observed up to 4 years after tagging eels from the same location. Inconsistencies in results of age determinations based on burned otoliths are described but it is concluded that the technique yields results of sufficient reliability to be used in practical management situations.