Baldwin - that is why it is referred to as a 4+ fish. The estimate of 4.5 is not a bad guess if the fish is 4 years old. The annuli do get laid down at different rates - during the warmer water months with the feedbag thrown on then they can grow more quickly. Colder water and reduced growth - and I believe even the diversion of resources to the production of eggs can lead to the annuli being put down closer together.
Labrax, I believe you're right. In some fish, most of their body mass is in the ovaries and eggs. Egg production would definitely divert resources from body mass, probably scales, too. Good deduction!
Hybrid Mode
