| In preflexion stage (starting from yolk-sac stage), pigment absent laterally on body above gut and ventral midline series present in anterior third of tail by preflexion stage; in flexion-postflexion larvae, pigment absent laterally on body above gut and series along ventral midline of tail extending anteriorly more than for similar size Z. latipinnis (until about 10 mm); in transformation-juvenile stages, distinct pigmentation; by 51 mm, cirri over eyes; pectoral fin 14-15 (usually 15); by about 7 mm, spiny scales on body.
Pigmentation:
Yolk-sac-preflexion: On eyes, snout, isthmus, and branchiostegal region; dorsally on head; on inner surface of pectoral fin base; heavy on pectoral fin blade; on gut; dorsally on trunk; series along ventral midline extending to anterior third of tail.
Flexion-postflexion: Absent laterally on body above gut; anterior tail patch increasing ventrolaterally; some of ventral midline series migrate internally in anterior half of tail.
Transformation: Body uniformly light brown; patch at anal fin insertion; heavy on pectoral fin blade.
Juvenile: By 51 mm, 3 patches in first dorsal fin; at anal fin insertion; mottled on body.
Sequence of fin development: pectoral fin, caudal fin, second dorsal fin and anal fin, first dorsal fin, pelvic fin. |