Bruce: Larval development of Sillagmodes punctata, Sillago bassensis. and Sillago schomburgku 



Figure 2 



Development of Sillaginodes punctata. (A) 2.1 mm; (B) 2.9 mm; (C) 3.1 mm; (D) 3.5 mm; 

 (E) 3.6 mm; (F) 4.2 mm; (G) 5.8 mm; (H) 6.5 mm; (I) 8.5 mm; (J) 12.0 mm; (K) 18.7 mm 

 postsettlement; (L) 22.4 mmlpostsettlement: myomeres omitted for clarity). A-I are reared 

 specimens, J-L are field-collected specimens. 



first dorsal fin anlage is present by 6.2 mm. Distinct 

 bases are present by 7.6—8.6 mm and ossification of 

 spines has commenced by 8.5—8.9 mm. The first dorsal 

 fin completes development by 13.1 mm. Pelvic fins first 

 appear as slight swellings on either side of the gut in 



9.2-mm larvae. Well-developed buds are present by 13.0 

 mm, incipient rays form shortly thereafter. The pelvic 

 fin does not complete development until 20.0-21.5 mm. 

 Larval pigment — The oil droplet is well pigmented 

 with large stellate melanophores from at least 24 



