Determination of most reliable bony structure for ageing of Carassius carassius (Linne, 1758) inhabiting in Duhok river (Iraq)

In this study, it was aimed to make a comparative age determination in the population of Carassius carassius (Linne, 1758) living in Duhok River. For this purpose, 71 fish samples (57 male and 14 female) were obtained. The study was conducted in the fish anatomy laboratory of the Fisheries Faculty of Firat University. The length and weight of the fish samples were determined. The bony structures of the vertebrae, scales, otoliths, otoliths, and operculums used in the age determination were removed, cleaned and labeled. Then, bony structures were examined under binocular microscope. The age rings of each bony structure were counted three times and one day apart. The age groups determined for each bony structure, the number and percentage distributions of individuals in these groups were expressed with tables, and the comparison of age matching between bony structures was expressed by figures and the most reliable bony structures were vertebra, otolith, scales and operculum respectively.The highest consistency was observed in the vertebrae (70.42%). The ages changed between I and IX age in Carassius carassius in this study.