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Publication
Early development and larval behaviour of two clingfishes, Lepadogaster purpurea and Lepadogaster lepadogaster (Pisces: Gobiesocidae)
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The recent revision on the taxonomic status
of Lepadogaster lepadogaster resulted in the division
of this species into L. lepadogaster and L. purpurea,
the clarification of each species’ distribution ranges
and the elimination of L. zebrina (now in synonymy
with L. lepadogaster). This new taxonomic status led
to the need of clarifying the early development of the
two species. Embryonic development lasted 21 days
in L. purpurea at a mean temperature of 14.2°C, and
16 days in L. lepadogaster at a mean temperature of
16.5°C. Newly hatched larvae of both species
measured 5.2 mm, had the mouth and anus opened, pigmented eyes and almost no yolk. At hatching and
throughout development the two species can be
distinguished by the ventral pigmentation which is
absent in L. purpurea. The change to a benthic mode of
life was gradual in both species, with larvae increasingly
spending more time close to the bottom until definitely
settling. Larval development lasted 33 days in L.
purpurea at a mean temperature of 14.6°C and 18 days
in L. lepadogaster at a mean temperature of 16.5°C.
Locomotion and foraging behaviours are described
for both species. L. lepadogaster showed a higher
frequency of swimming and foraging behaviour when compared with L. purpurea.
Description
Keywords
Lepadogaster lepadogaster Lepadogaster purpurea Gobiesocidae Clingfishes Early development Larval behaviour
Citation
Environmental Biology of Fishes, 93, 449-459