FISHERY BULLETIN VOL 77. NO. 4 





15.9mm 



Figure 4.— Planktomc larvae 110.6, 12.8, 15.9 mml of Sebastes melannps. 



Distinguishing Features. — Characters useful to 

 distinguish the smallest identified larvae (10-11 

 mm) of S. flavidus and S. melanops from those of 

 other Sebastes species are the moderately pig- 

 mented pectoral and pelvic fins, presence of pig- 

 ment along the dorsal body surface under the dor- 

 sal fin, internal and external melanophores above 

 the notochord at and anterior to the point of 

 notochord flexion, melanophores along the dorsal 

 and ventral margins of the caudal peduncle, and 



melanophores at the articulation of some dorsal 

 and anal rays. The relatively long and narrow 

 caudal peduncle and presence of 18 pectoral rays 

 distinguishes S. flavidus. and the relatively deep 

 and short caudal peduncle and presence of 19 pec- 

 toral rays distinguish S. melanops. Meristics," 

 lack of preocular and supraocular spines, flat to 



®The term "meristics" is used to refer to all countable charac- 

 ters which are usually arranged in series. 



906 



