286 



ONTOGENY AND SYSTEMATICS OF FISHES-AHLSTROM SYMPOSIUM 



Table 78. 



Summary of Morphological Characters of Larvae of the Family Gadidae. Proportions are expressed as percentages of standard 



length, when possible. 



' At pectoral fin base when possible. 



^ Data between columns indicate no data available for ditferences in pretlexion and flexion larvae. 



' Data are % HL. 



latter in the eastern North Atlantic, as are the two nominal 

 species of Ciliata (Cohen and Russo, 1979). Gaidropsarus has 

 about 14 nominal species, 1 1 in the North Atlantic Ocean and 

 single species off South Africa, New Zealand, and Japan. Phycis 

 has three nominal species occurring in both sides of the North 

 Atlantic Ocean. About seven species of Urophycis are presently 

 recognized in the western Atlantic Ocean from Canada to South 

 America (Svetovidov, 1948). 



Characteristics of phycines according to Markle (1982) and 

 this study include: egg diameter small (0.63-0.98 mm): multiple 

 oil globules that eventually coalesce into a single moderately 

 sized globule (0.1 1-0.22 mm diameter); vertebrae moderately 

 numerous (45-55 total, 14-17 precaudal); pterotic spines pres- 

 ent in some larvae and juveniles of Gaidropsarus, Ciliata. and 

 Phycis; initial pelvic fin ray formation prior to flexion but ac- 

 quisition of adult complement delayed; x and y bones present 

 (sometimes absent in Raniceps); 5-6 primary caudal fin rays 

 and 29-38 total caudal fin rays; and moderate numbers of total 

 dorsal and total anal fin elements [D, 49-73, not including spe- 

 cialized rays (e.g., Enchelyopus), and A, 40-57]. 



Taxonomic problems are prevalent in this group. Specific 

 identification of smaller larvae is not presently possible for cer- 

 tain species of Gaidropsarus. Phycis. and Urophycis (Russell, 

 1976; Markle, 1982). Adultsof some species are easily confused 

 (Musick, 1973; Svetovidov. 1982). 



Eggs of Enchelyopus and Ciliata. some Urophycis. as well as 

 those oi Gaidropsarus that are known, have multiple oil globules 

 in the earliest stages, which coalesce into a single oil globule; 



melanistic pigment is present on both the embryo and oil globule 

 (Table 77). In Phycis. only ovarian eggs of P. chesteri have been 

 described (Wenner, 1978). Multiple oil globules have not been 

 observed in U. tenuis (Markle-) nor reported in eggs oi Raniceps 

 raninus. 



Phycine larvae hatch at small sizes (1.5-3.0 mm), yolk is 

 absorbed quickly, notochord flexion occurs at small sizes (about 

 5-12 mm), size at transformation is variable, and a prejuvenile 

 stage is present in most genera (Table 78). Phycine preflexion 

 larvae tend to be deeper bodied (at the pectoral fin base) than 

 lotines or gadines, but with development they become mor- 

 phologically diverse. Pelvic fins are precocious and pigmented, 

 although the extent and duration of pigmentation varies among 

 genera. The entire fin is pigmented in Gaidropsarus. whereas 

 only the tip is pigmented in some species of Urophycis. Raniceps 

 is morphologically the most divergent phycine. By 5 mm, the 

 preanal portion of the body is usually high in relation to the 

 postanal region and at a length of about 7.5 mm the larvae are 

 "tadpole shaped." 



Although pigmentation is highly variable in phycines, most 

 genera possess head pigment on the dorsal part (sometimes 

 extending to the nape), and on the snout and mouth. In addition, 

 some genera may have pigment near the eye and on the opercular 

 area. Gut pigment is initially located along the dorsal surface, 

 with some genera (e.g., Enchelyopus. Phycis) developing more 

 pigment over the lateral surface. Postanal pigment is variable. 



' D. F. Markle, pers. comm., 5 July 1983. 



