Biology of Finfish and Shellfish (2+1)

Carangidae

• Larvae are strongly compressed and initially range from the most slender extreme of moderate to deep bodied.
• The gut is initially straight, but begins to coli by 2.5 mm.
• It reaches to 53-68% BL in pre flexion larvae. The conspicuous gas bladder is located over the gut coil.
• The head is moderate to large in pre flexion larvae but it is large in post flexion larvae. Small teeth form in pre flexion larvae.
• The round eye varies in size from moderate to large.
• Two rows of smooth preopercular spines are present and form very early in the pre flexion stage (between 1.8 and 2•5 mm).
• Dorsal and anal fins form concurrently.
• The caudal peduncle is narrow after flexion is complete.
• Lateral Iine scales begin to develop in larvae as small as 9 mm.
• The posterior lateral line scales enlarge to form scutes from 12-29 mm. Pigments are initially relatively lightly pigmented.
• Most species have a melanophore series on the dorsal and ventral midlines of the trunk or tail and mid laterally on the trunk or tail.
• In post flexion larvae, pigment is toward a counter-shaded, more-or-Iess blotchy pattern.
• The caudal peduncle is usually the last area to become pigmented.
• Bars and Spots are common in larvae as they approach the juvenile stage.