Diagnostic characters: large yolk sac at hatching, resorbed by flexion stage; no pigment along dorsal and lateral surfaces of trunk and tail before postflexion stage; 2-8 melanophores along ventral midline of tail, between myomeres 12-21.
Sequence of fin formation: caudal (4.4-7.3 mm); dorsal (4.9-10.6 mm); anal (4.9-11.0 mm); pectoral (7.3-8.4 mm); pelvic (7.3-12.4 mm).
Larvae settle on the bottom at 9.1-10.6 mm BL.
Larvae are strongly attracted to light and the presence of redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) timber in the water (Ref. 27441) and so naturally prefer the shallower waters over the floodplain. However, if the water quality is not suitable, the larvae may actively avoid floodplain habitats (Ref. 27442). |