SIXTY-TWO SPECIES OF FISHES FROM LAKE ERIE 
379 
The yolk region is well covered, except on ventral aspect. The myomeres have lines 
of large, very spreading chromatophores (about 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, the fins are colorless. The eye is dark. 
9 .5 -millimeter stage. — Total length, 9.5; standard length, 8.5; length to vent, 5.1 ; 
greatest depth, 2.1; diameter of eye, 1.0 millimeters. Myomeres about 11 to vent 
plus 22 behind (incomplete). In this stage the head is the deepest part of the fish, 
rest of body tapering gradually to caudal ; stomach much flatter than following stage, 
intestine probably little coiled. Very slight elements of 13 dorsal and 11 anal rays 
evident. Greater development of caudal than in following stage probably indicates 
an older specimen, although of shorter length. 
10.0-millimeter stage. — Total length, 10.0; length to vent, 5.25; greatest depth, 
2.17; diameter of eye, 1.0 millimeter. Myomeres, 10 before vent plus 19-20 behind 
(incomplete). Proportions and general appearance as hatchery stock, but differing 
mostly in fight color, resulting from contracted chromatophores which in other 
Figure 110 . — Micropterus dolomieu, 10 mOlimeters. (Drawn from Lake Erie specimen) 
specimens were much expanded (contraction constant for lake specimens) ; however, 
number and arrangement of chromatophores identical in the two stocks. Apparently, 
also, the larva in its natural environment develops fin-rays and other adult characters 
at a slightly greater length than that at which a hatchery specimen — with its normal 
growth retarded by captivity — will show them, evident from this and the following 
figure. (See p. 346 for discussion of the effects of artificial rearing on another species.) 
9. 5 -millimeter stage. — Total length, 9.5; standard length, 8.75; length to vent, 
5.0; length of head, 2.6; greatest depth, 2.6; diameter of eye, 1.0 millimeter. Stom- 
ach region now deeper than head due to large convolutions of intestine; vent still at 
distance from body. Embryonic marginal fin fold widened above dorsal and anal 
locations, and fin ray elements much larger than in Figure 116 but in the same 
numbers. Profile of head higher and more sloping. 
19.0-millimeter stage. — Dorsal X, 14; anal III, 12; ventrals and pectorals well 
developed; caudal forked. Total length, 19.0; standard length, 15.0; length to vent, 
