158 



BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES 

 DESCRIPTION OF YOUNG 



The smallest larval drum taken in Texas measured 4.5 millimeters (0.2 inch). 

 A small yolk sac is present, and the dorsal and ventral fins are not evident. Two 

 prominent groups of chromatophores are present; both lying ventrally, one slightly 



Fig. 13.— Larval black drum. Actu.il length, 4. .5 millimeters 



Fig. 14.— Young black drum. Actual length, 6 millimeters 



Fig. 15.— Young black drum. Actual length, 8 millimeters 



Fig. IC— Young black drum. Actual length, 18 millimeters 



posterior and above the vent, while the other lies approximately at the base of the 

 undifferentiated anal fin. These groups of chromatophores are placed somewhat 

 similarly to the ventral ones observed in the young larval redfish {Scisenops ocellatus), 

 but the general absence of any pronounced dorsal markings in the larval drum separate 

 the species distinctly. (See fig. 13.) 



