Three-dimensional rendering of otolith growth using phase contrast synchrotron tomography

Area of Science:

• * Paleontology and Ichthyology
• * Biomineralization and Skeletal Biology

Background:

• * Fish otoliths (ear stones) are crucial for age and growth studies.
• * Traditional otolith analysis can be destructive and limited in resolution.
• * Advancements in imaging technology are needed for non-destructive analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop a non-destructive 3D computer reconstruction of a plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) otolith.
• * To demonstrate the capability of high-energy synchrotron X-ray imaging for otolith analysis.
• * To enable detailed examination of internal otolith structures, specifically annuli.

Main Methods:

• * Utilized high-energy (53-150 keV) X-ray synchrotron data from Diamond Light Source, beamline I12.
• * Performed non-destructive three-dimensional computer reconstruction of the otolith.
• * Applied X-ray tomography to capture internal structures.

Main Results:

• * Successfully generated a detailed 3D model of a plaice otolith.
• * Demonstrated the non-destructive nature of the synchrotron X-ray imaging technique.
• * Achieved, for the first time, the analysis of otolith annuli within X-ray tomographic images.

Conclusions:

• * High-energy synchrotron X-ray tomography is a powerful non-destructive tool for fish otolith research.
• * This method allows for unprecedented analysis of internal otolith structures like annuli.
• * The 3D reconstruction provides a valuable resource for understanding fish growth and paleontology.