Abstract
Development of eggs and larvae of the big roughy Gephyroberyx japonicus are described on the basis of specimens reared in captivity. Spherical eggs (diameter 1.26–1.35 mm) with a single oil globule were pelagic. Newly hatched larvae (2.8–3.1 mm in body length, BL) had strong linear pigmentation on the head and trunk. The mouth opened at ca. 3.5 mm BL; thereafter the yolk was absorbed. Notochord flexion started at ca. 4.5 mm BL when body depth increased rapidly, and melanophores spread to all of the body. Notochord flexion was completed at ca. 5.0 mm BL. Head spination and pelvic fins began to develop during the flexion stage.
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Acknowledgments
We thank the staff of the Deep-Sea animal section of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium for assisting us with rearing management. We also extend our gratitude to S. Uchida, adviser to the Ocean Expo Research Center, who encouraged us to undertake this study. H. Miyahara, M. Toda and K. Sato, staff of the Ocean Expo Commemorative Park Management Foundation, also supported our study. We wish to acknowledge Dr. K. Muzik for correction of the English manuscript.
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Oka, Si., Higashiji, T. Early ontogeny of the big roughy Gephyroberyx japonicus (Beryciformes: Trachichthyidae) in captivity. Ichthyol Res 59, 282–285 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-012-0282-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-012-0282-2