| Yolk is completely absorbed on the 14th day after hatching. Length is around 7.4 mm NL, with melanophores on the lateral sides of the abdomen and two pairs of fronto-paietal ridges with one spinule. The pectoral fins began to enlarge.
On the 28th day, at 7.7 mm NL, 14 rays developed in its pectoral fins, melanophores on the ventral sides of the abdomen, and both jaws protruded slightly; four spines on preopercular and 2-4 spinules on each frontoparietal ridge were found. On the 28th day, flexion occurs in one specimen measuring at 8.3 mm NL. At this stage flexion larva has 13, 16, and 15 rays in its dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins, respectively.
On the 42nd day, a specimen measuring 8.7 mm SL had 10 spines and 13 rays on its dorsal fin and 15 and 16 rays on its anal and pectoral fins, respectively, forming a full complement. The pelvic fins are still buds at this stage. The opening position of the anal and the genital pore began moving from just anterior to the anal fin toward the base of the pelvic fins.
On the 60th day, at 15.6 mm SL, whiskers, mustache and pelvic fins appear.
On the 93rd day, all of the above are completely formed. |