ABSTRACT 



Synonymies are listed for Kyphosus sectatrix and Kyphosus incisor, the two species 

 studied. Development of these species is described and illustrated from the smallest 

 juvenile to the largest adult examined (K. sectatrix, 115 specimens from 10.4 to 260 milli- 

 meters, standard length; and K. incisor, 99 specimens ranging 8.5-252 mm.). All specimens 

 examined were from the North Atlantic Ocean, and most were from the Atlantic coast of the 

 United States and the Bahama Islands north of lat. 23°30' N. No abrupt changes in rate 

 of development of selected characters occurred with increase of size. However, a gradual 

 decrease in rate of development with increase in size was indicated in many of the characters. 



The reported distribution of both species along the Atlantic coast of the United States 

 and the northern Bahamas is reviewed and revised, with the northern reported range for 

 K. incisor e.xtended to Cape Cod. Lenth-frequency data indicate an extended spawning 

 season for both species. Scale and pectoral fin-ray counts indicate that few specimens taken 

 in the Gulf Stream came from the northern Bahamas. 



The two species are similar except for total dorsal and anal soft-ray counts and gill-raker 

 counts. Scale and pectoral-ray counts indicate that the A', sectatrix taken at Bermuda and 

 in the northern Bahamas are not part of the population found along the Atlantic coast of the 

 United States. A key is provided to aid in separating the two species. 



