Description of aberrant otolith morphology of <i>Saurida lessepsianus</i> (Aulopiformes, Synodontidae) collected from the coast of Muğla province, Aegean Sea, Turkey

Abstract This is the first study investigating the aberrant otolith morphology in the Lessepsian lizardfish Saurida lessepsianus in the Aegean Sea, Turkey. A Leica Emspira 3 digital microscope was used to determine the aberrant otoliths examined. Two female specimens measuring 230 and 274 mm in total length (TL) were examined and showed an aberrant otolith on both sides of their head. These deformities might have been instigated by the impacts of changing water factors related to diverse pollutants in the Aegean Sea. Characteristics of otolith deformities are of immeasurable significance for aquatic habitats and other otolith studies.