Larval development of laboratory-reared carpenter, Argyrozona argyrozona (Pisces: Sparidae)

Abstract

The larval development of the sparid Argyrozona argyrozona is described and illustrated from 16 individuals, representative of a batch reared in the laboratory from artificially spawned eggs. A general account of development is given as well as detailed descriptions of pigmentation, fin development, head spination, myomere counts and morphometries. The general developmental pattern is similar to other sparids but is unique in regard to preopercular spination, premaxillary and medio-lateral pigmentation and morphometries.