Biology of Finfish and Shellfish

Teraponidae

• Terapontid larvae body depth ranges from elongate to moderate.
  The body is laterally compressed and has 25 myomeres (6-11+14-19).
• The triangular gut compact and reaches 35-45%BL in preflexion and flexion larvae, but the anus moves posteriorly with growth and reach 65%BL in postflexion larvae.
• The gas bladder is small.
• The short snout somewhat concave in preflexion larvae, but becomes convex and more pointed with growth.
• The moderate to large eye is slightly elongate in preflexion larvae and becomes round in postflexion larvae.
• Dorsal and anal fins fully ossified in early postflexion larvae.
  Pectoral rays begin to form in early postflexion larvae, and all are present by 5.1-9.1mm. Scales begin to form as early as 10mm, and all scales are present between 11 and 13.5mm.
• Terapontid larvae are generally lightly pigmented initially and commonly present on the dorsal midline, mid laterally on the tail, internally over the notochord, and on the head and fins.
• Pigment can change rapidly with growth, particularly as larvae approach settlement.