in Dongjiang River, Guangdong Province were investigated by analyzing optical macrozones in scales, pelvic fin spines, preopercular bones, vertebrae and sagittae from fish sampled during 2010, and were compared with cultured populations. The annual rings in wild individuals were clearer and of higher contrast than those in cultured individuals. the analyzed materials suggested that annual rings are formed each year during . The presence of various with reproductive activities of the fish. The annual rings in the sagittae were clearer and more regular than those in other materials examined. Because of the presence of pseudoannuli, the annual rings in the preopercular bone and scales were more difficult to analyze than in other materials. Thus, the suitability of material for analysis of age in were ranked: sagitta > vertebra > sectioned ventral fin spine > preopercular bone