Embryonic and larval development of Gobius paganellus (Pisces: Gobiidae)

Abstract

The full developmental sequence from egg to juvenile of Gobius paganellus under controlled conditions is described. Embryonic development lasted 9–10 days at 18.5–20.0°C and 10–11 days at 15.0–16.5°C. Newly hatched larvae measured 3.90 mm, had the mouth and anus opened, pigmented eyes and almost no yolk. They first settled 25 days after hatching (10.0–10.5 mm total length [TL]) and showed juvenile behaviour and body form 36 days after hatching (14.0 mm TL). However, they only showed full juvenile pigmentation patterns 15 days later (17.0 mm TL) (16.0–16.5°C). In addition, a preliminary differentiation between the newly hatched larvae of the most common Gobius species of south-western European shores is presented.