v14i2.380

eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v14i2.380

Submitted date: 2 February 2025
Accepted date: 22 October 2025
Published date: 28 November 2025
Pp. 283–292.

A COMPREHENSIVE BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF OTOLITH RESEARCH ON EELS

Metachul Kusna*, T. Triyanto, Eri Sahabudin, Foni A. Setiawan, Gadis S Haryani, L. Lukman, Hendro Wibowo, Fauzan Ali, Fachmijany Sulawesty, Endra Triwisesa, Angga Dwinovantyo, Octavianto Samir, Eva Nafisyah, N. Nurjirana & S. Sutrisno
*Corresponding author. E-mail: meta002@brin.go.id

Abstract
Otoliths serve as biogenic archives that reveal age, growth, habitat shifts, and environmental histories of fishes. We analyzed 94 years of eel otolith research (374 Scopus-indexed papers, 1930–2023) and visualized co-authorship and keyword networks with VOSviewer. Output rose sharply after 2000, dominated by Japan (26%), Taiwan (12%), and France (11%), forming dense clusters of collaboration among Japan, Taiwan, France, and North America. Research themes progressed from early age and growth studies to otolith microchemistry, migration and recruitment dynamics, and, more recently, to conservation, contaminants, and climate change. Core keywords (“otolith,” “age,” “growth,” “migration”) persist, with newer emphases on phenotypic plasticity and restoration. Tropical anguillids remain underrepresented relative to temperate species, non-anguillid eels appear sporadically, and several life stages—especially leptocephali and yellow eels—are unevenly studied. This synthesis benchmarks global eel otolith scholarship and identifies priorities for cross-regional collaboration and conservation-linked research.

Section Editor: Michael J. Miller