Fish size effect on sagittal otolith outer shape variability in round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas 1814)

Round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas 1814) has become a significant component in the diet of piscivorous fish from the Pomeranian Bay (Bornholm Basin, Baltic Sea). Proper identification of fish species in the diet of predators is significant in biological studies of fish and other aquatic animal species, and, with regard to N. melanostomus, it is important to the knowledge of trophic web structures in areas this species has invaded. A total of 142 individuals of N. melanostomus, measuring 16–174 mm standard length, were examined. Seventy‐two fishes were caught during monitoring surveys in fishing grounds, whereas 70 were found in the stomachs of European perch Perca fluviatilis, pike‐perch Sander lucioperca and Baltic cod Gadus morhua. The objective of the present study was to analyse the sagittal otoliths to identify variations in outer shape with increases in fish length; expand and correct descriptions of the sagitta, lapillus and asteriscus otoliths; and evaluate the relationships among otolith dimensions and fish standard length. The otoliths were described morphologically. The analysis of the outer shape of sagittal otoliths using Fourier analysis and multivariate statistics exhibited great phenotypic variability that was associated with fish length, including within pairs in individuals and/or among individuals in length classes. In addition, the asterisci and lapilli of N. melanostomus from selected specimens, which were described for the first time with regard to fish length, were found to be less variable compared to sagittal otoliths. This study presents the first analysis of intrapopulation phenotypic plasticity of N. melanostomus sagittal otolith morphology as it is linked to fish size.