APRIETO: EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF FIVE CARANGID FISHES 



Distinguishing Features 



Larvae ofElagatis bipinnulata are distinct from 

 those of other carangids in having only two spines 

 in the anal fin. Following transformation, the 

 terminal dorsal and anal soft fin rays become 

 gradually separated from these fins. These larvae 

 are remarkably similar to those oiSeriola species 

 in size, structure, and pigmentation. Unlike the 

 larvae of Seriola, however, they have a supraoc- 

 cipital crest, serrations on the preopercular 

 spines, and all the dorsal spines are about equal in 

 length. The first interhemal spine is only slightly 

 swollen and is not pressed nor fused with the 

 hemal spine of the first caudal vertebra (Starks, 

 1911). The larvae transform at 10 to 14 mm. 

 the other interhemal and hemal spines. In many 



carangids the first interhemal spine is much en- 

 larged and pressed against or fused with the 

 hemal spine of the first caudal vertebra (Starks, 

 1911). The larvae transform at 10 to 14 mm. 



Morphology 



Larvae ofE. bipinnulata are deep-bodied. Body 

 depth at the base of the pectoral fin is 32% of the 

 standard length at 3.8 mm; it attains a maximum 

 of 40% at initial notochord flexion and is never less 

 than 33% during the entire period of larval de- 

 velopment (Table 2). 



The head is large and deep. Relative length of 

 the head increases throughout the larval and 

 transition periods. Head length is 31.6% at 3.8 

 mm, increases to 35 to 49% at notochord flexion, 



Table 2. — Measurements (mm) of larvae and juveniles ofElagatis bipinnulata. 

 (Specimens between dashed lines are undergoing notochord flexion.) 



'Transforming. 

 2Juveniles. 



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