A note on the record of Rastrelliger (Mackerel) larvae from the Indian Ocean

Abstract

Three larval stages of the mackerel Rastrellier were identified during preliminary analysis of the fish larvae fraction of plankton samples collected during IIOE The stages agree with descriptions of Rastrelliger larvae, probably of R brachysoma from Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea They resemble the larvae of a scombrid relative, the Pacific mackerel Pneumatophorous diego, but differ in having less pigmentation and deeper body The larvae have a fairly stubby body, with 30 myomeres big eyes, wide mouth, coiled intestine and large head devoid of opercular spines