a Alizarin red S/calcein live double staining in scales from fish of different ages (scale bar = 0.1 mm). Three-month-old fish showed a significant growth rate identified as thickness of the new deposited ring (green fluorescence). In 6-month-old fish scales, the thickness of new ring was found reduced, whereas 9-month-old fish did not show any significant deposition. b Quantification of the ring thickness in scales from 3-, 6- and 9-month-old fish (3 months vs 6 months, p < 0.001; 3 months vs 9 months, p < 0.001; 6 months vs 9 months, p < 0.001). The mineralization rate was inversely proportional to the age of the fish
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