Developmental Characters of Bothid Flatfishes of the Genus Psettina
Abstract
The developmental characters of two species of flatfishes @iPsettina brevirictis@@ and @iP. iijimae@@ have been discussed. Some common and different characters found during the developmental series have been highlighted. Preflexion larvae of both species have the characteristic urohyal appendage. Similarly, the sequence of development of larval spines on the urohyal and pelvic bones is similar, but @iP. iijimae@@ has a higher count of spines, particularly on the pelvic bones. An important distinguishing character is the formation of spinules on dorsal and anal fin rays in larvae of @iP. iijimae@@ versus their absence on larvae of @iP. brevirictis@@. Larvae of @P. iijimae@@ average about three more myomeres or vertebrae than larvae of @iP. brevirictis@@. D&A fin ray counts differ enough to be useful in identification of postflexion larvae. In @iP. iijimae@@ the swim bladder-occupies a space just above the intestinal loop, whereas in @iP. brevirictis, it is placed more anteriorly and is comparatively larger
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