Nature Tells Its Story, Part 1: Fish Eyes and Ears

A fish can’t talk, but its eyes and ears can. Scientists have discovered that each layer of a fish’s lens reveals a different part of its life history, including what it’s eaten throughout its life. While you’ve probably never heard of fish otoliths, these ear bones tell us not only a fish’s age, but what rivers it has traveled. Understanding this could help wildlife managers know what habitats to protect to help imperiled species. In “Nature Tells Its Story Part 1,” Unfold looks at the eyes and ears of fish.   

 

In this episode: 

Miranda Bell Tilcock, assistant specialist researcher, UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences 

Carson Jeffres, senior researcher and fish biologist, UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences