Dictionary of Ichthyology  

otolith = a free body in the inner ear used for perception of acceleration including gravity. Composed of aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate, with up to 10% otolin, a protein. The lapillus lies in the utricle, the sagitta in the saccule, and the asteriscus in the lagena. Also called statoliths or ear stones, and incorrectly ear bone. See otoconium, marginaria and jewellery.

Otolith earrings, Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Photograph by Brian W. Coad.

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