| Pigment sparse initially, increasing in characteristic pattern; on base of gular region extending posteriad on base of branchiostegal membrane; 11 spines in first dorsal fin compared with 10 in Prionotus.
Pigmentation:
Flexion-postflexion: Light in small larvae with few on jaws, top of head, and nape; ventrally on gut; dorsal gut shield; few across base of gular membrane, extending posteriad as series on base of branchiostegal membrane; postanal ventral midline series, double anteriorly; scattered on distal half of pectoral fin, increasing and spreading proximally.
Late postflexion-transformation: Trunk covered; above anal fin; pectoral fin covered, heaviest distally; on first dorsal fin; increasing on jaws, gular membrane, breast, and belly; eventually entire head and body becoming heavily mottled.
Sequence of fin development: principal caudal fin rays and pectoral fin, anal fin and second dorsal fin, first dorsal fin, pelvic fin, procurrent caudal fin rays. |