Early development of marine catfishes (Ariidae): from mouth brooding to the release of juveniles in nursery habitats. Issue 6 (10th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lima, A. R. A.; Barletta, M.; Dantas, D. V.; Ramos, J. A. A.; Costa, M. F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 82:Issue 6(2013)
• Page Start: 1990
• Page End: 2014
• Publication Date: 2013-05-10
• Subjects: Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12128
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The development and allometric growth patterns of the ariid catfishes <italic>Cathorops spixii</italic> and <italic>Cathorops agassizii</italic> were studied from neurula embryos to juveniles. The ontogenetic sequence revealed that prior to hatching, embryos of both species are well developed, and their axial and appendicular skeletons are well ossified. Embryos of both species grow slowly longitudinally, but positively allometric growth (growth coefficient, <italic>β</italic><sub>1</sub> > 1) was observed in head width and eye diameter. It is hypothesized that these growth patterns might be related to functional priorities for the development of sensory organs, such as the inner ears (otoliths), the Weberian apparatus, eyes and nostrils, during the embryonic period. The first appearance of vertebrae and otoliths, as well as the ossification of otoliths and the Weberian apparatus, occur earlier in embryos of <italic>C. agassizii</italic> than in embryos of <italic>C. spixii</italic>. After hatching, mouth‐brooded free embryos of both species grow isometrically. Negatively allometric growth was observed in head width and eye diameter during the yolk‐sac period, which is expected given that the sensory organs are already formed. Free embryos of <italic>C. agassizii</italic> are distinguishable from those of <italic>C. spixii</italic> by their larger eyes, longer snouts, longer heads and heavier yolk sacs. The end of the yolk‐sac period is characterized by a direct change from free embryo to juvenile, without a true larval period. The juveniles of the two species can also be distinguished from each other by the larger eyes of <italic>C. agassizii</italic> compared with <italic>C. spixii</italic>, as in adult fishes.</p> </abstract>