A practical guide to the morphological development of southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, from hatch through metamorphosis.

摘要

Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) larvae were cultured at 17℃ and observations were made to describe the morphological development from hatch until the completion of metamorphosis. A complete nine-part staging scheme was described with diagrams to show how larvae transform from a pelagic form with eyes on opposite sides of the body to a benthic form with both eyes on the left side of the body. The descriptions track the development of features that are easy to identify under low power microscopy. Behavioural patterns are included for each stage, particularly as they pertain to feeding. Such a staging scheme will help hatchery managers monitor development and confirm normal morphology and behaviour.