94 



Conservation Department 



Description. — 8.8 mm. stage. Fig. 21. Total length 8.8 mm; 

 length to vent 4.0 mm ; greatest depth 1.8 mm ; diameter of eye 0.85 

 mm; myomeres, 10 before vent, 19 behind (very incomplete). 

 Embryonic marginal fin originating over end of yolk region, ris- 

 ing to slight elevation at position of later soft dorsal, similar on 

 ventral side; candal lophocercal; pectorals rounded. Head and 

 yolk region robust, body compressed behind vent ; eye large ; mouth 

 large, oblique, with maxillary extending to middle of pupil ; intes- 

 tine ending at edge of marginal fin. Whole larva darkly pig- 

 mented; many large stellate chromatophores massed over bul- 

 bous head; fewer on sides of head and around jaws; yolk region 

 well covered except on ventral aspect ; myomeres with lines of 

 large very spreading chromatophores (c. 2 wide on each myomere 

 before vent, 1 wide behind) giving an almost even appearance 

 of brown color in the preserved specimens, chromatophores extend 

 on to base of pectorals, and slightly into caudal, otherwise fins 

 colorless; eye dark. 



Fig. 22.- — Micropterus dolomieu, 10 millimeters. Lake specimen with con- 

 tracted chromatophores 



10.0 mm. stage. Fig. 22. Total length 10.0 mm; length to vent 

 5.25 mm; greatest depth 2.17 mm; diameter of eye 1.0 mm; 

 myomeres 10 before vent, 18-20 behind (incomplete). Proportions 

 and general appearance as hatchery stock, but difi^ering mostly in 

 light color, resulting from contracted chromatophores which in 

 other specimens were much expanded (contraction constant for 

 lake specimens) ; however, number and arrangement of chroma- 

 tophores identical in the two stocks. 



Fig. 23. — Micropterus dolomieu, 19 millimeters. Lake specimen 



19.0 mm. starje. Fig. 23. D.X, 14; A. Ill, 12; V. and P. well 

 developed; C. forked. Total length 19.0 mm; standard length 

 15.0 mm; lengtli to vent 9.6 mm; length of head 5.4 mm; greatest 



