| Diagnostic characters: BDA 12-17% in preflexion larvae, 20-25% in postflexion larvae; saddle of heavy pigment extending from nape to under midbrain in preflexion and flexion larvae; enlarged stellate melanophore on ventral surface of tail in preflexion and flexion larvae, becoming small and internal in postflexion larvae.
Sequence of fin formation: caudal (2.6-4.5 mm); dorsal (3.9-5.8 mm); anal (3.9-6.3 mm); pelvic (5.7-7.5 mm); pectoral (7.1-9.5 mm).
Larvae have been caught in Lake Macquarie (NSW) from September to July, with peak abundances between February and May (Ref. 33621), entering Tuggerah lakes from January to May and in August (Ref. 33821), and in coastal waters off Sydney from November to May (Ref. 33822). Larvae settle at the bottom at about 10.0 mm BL. |