Microchemistry of calcified hardparts of fishes
We investigated the use of other calcified fish tissues such as scales, spines, and fin rays to extract valuable chemical information as a non-lethal alternative to otolith extraction. However, unlike otoliths that are predominantly aragonite, these tissues are comprised of biological apatite, complicating their analysis using laser-ablation. Using experimental validation studies, we developed an analytical protocol to overcome these constraints, providing a powerful new tool to reconstruct life histories and origins of fish. These method developments also have direct implications for the use of other bioapatite samples, such as teeth and bones, for archaeological and forensic studies.
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