Fig. (2) (a) Lateral extraction of otoliths involving an initial incision at the dorsal junction of the gill arches and parasphenoid process under the operculum of a Lutjanus sebae (2,849 g whole weight, 570 mm total and 532 mm fork length); (b) using a chisel to shave off the thin lateral portion of the basioccipital bone of the otic capsule; (c) the left sagittal otolith is visible within the otic capsule; and (d) otolith removed using forceps.