Biology of Finfish and Shellfish

Labridae

• Larvae elongate to moderate in depth and laterally compressed. The caudal peduncle is usually deep.
• There are 23-28 myomeres(10-18+7-16): the majority of species have 25. The gut is initially straight and may extend to 81% BL prior to coiling.
• The mouth is small and does not usually reach the anterior edge of the eye. Small, conical teeth are present in both jaws by about 6.3mm, but may be hidden by the lips.
• The eye varies from small to large, and may be ovoid, round, or squarish and frequently has a mass of choroid tissue on the ventral margin.
• Dorsal – and anal-fin are present by 3.0-5.6mm. The soft rays of both the dorsal and anal fins begin form at 3.5-5.6mm.
• The spines usually form slightly later than the soft rays.
• The pelvic buds are first present at 4.0-7.5mm: the rays may be present at 7.0mm in some species.
• Scales do not develop prior to settlement.
• Pigment is limited to a few melanophores that may be found above the vent, on the posterior dorsal and ventral midlines of the tail, along the myosepta of the tail, on the dorsum of the gut, on the brain, on the lower jaw , or on the dorsal-and anal-fin elements.