11. Species with fragile, easily digested otoliths may be underestimated in the diet. 12. On top of this layer lie calcium carbonate crystals called statoconia or otoliths . 13. Otoliths cannot be used alone to reliably estimate cetacean or pinniped diets, however.14. Also see otoliths , the tiny stones in the vestibular apparatus of the ears. 15. The steps to preparing otoliths are to 1. 16. Both approaches begin with careful cleaning and preparation of the otoliths to be analyzed. 17. Fish can sense sound through their lateral lines and their otoliths ( ears ). 18. The otoliths are relatively heavy, providing weight to the membrane as well as inertia. 19. Covering the surface of the otolithic membrane are otoliths , which are crystals of calcium carbonate. 20. The Sheephead's otoliths are quite large and look almost polished and ivory-like.
