Stocks, or geographically separated populations of the New Zealand orange roughy, Hoplostethus atlanticus, in relation to parasite infestation, growth rate, and otolith shape

Comparisons of parasite load of orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus (Tele ostei: Trachichthyidae) against otolith shape, growth rate, depth of captur e, sex and date of capture were grouped by both Quota Management Areas and Regional Fisheries Areas. Examination of the data showed that: (1) parasite load was not related to Quota Management Area, or to Regional Fisheries Ar eas; (2) parasite load is weakly related to both otolith shape and fish gro wth rate; (3) there are differences in growth rate between Regional Fisheri es Areas; and (4) there is a significant variation in the shape of the otol ith of N. atlanticus between Regional Fisheries Areas.