Million Whys Press logo
Million Whys PressToronto
← Book 30 videos

Book 30, Question 68

How do scientists tell the age of a fish?

Inside a fish's head are small ear stones called otoliths.

They grow a little every day, adding layers like tree rings. Layers form faster in summer and slower in winter, so counting the rings tells the fish's age. Scientists can also read scales the same way. Knowing ages helps them see how healthy a fish population is.

Why I wrote this