Comparative morphology of preextrusion larvae of the North Atlantic sharp-beaked red fishes, Sebastes mentella and Sebastes fasciatus (Pisces: Scorpaenidae)

Abstract

Preextrusion larvae of the ovoviviparous scorpaenid fishes, Sebastes mentella and Sebastes fasciatus, identified by the gas-bladder musculature characteristics of the parent, are described. Morphometrics, meristics, and pigmentation characteristics were recorded for late-stage preextrusion larvae taken from adult females on St. Pierre Bank, an area immediately south of and adjacent to the island of Newfoundland, Canada. The morphology of preextrusion larvae of S. mentella, in comparison with S. fasciatus, is described in detail for the first time. Univariate statistics were calculated and the utility of each of several morphometric, meristic, and pigmentation variables as a potential species identification criterion was evaluated. Discriminant analysis correctly classified up to 95% of larvae examined. The potential of the discriminant function in species identification for planktonic larvae is discussed.