Eggs and larvae of Awaous melanocephalus (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

Abstract

The morphology of eggs and larvae of Awaous melanocephalus is described. The eggs measured 0.33–0.35 mm in long-axis diameter and 0.32–0.34 mm in short-axis diameter. Newly hatched larvae (0.90–0.99 mm in notochord length, NL; 0.93–1.04 mm in total length, TL) were poorly developed, lacking a mouth and having a large yolk sac and unpigmented eyes. The mouth opened and the eyes became fully pigmented 3 days after hatching (1.78–2.00 mm NL, 1.88–2.10 mm TL). The yolk sac was completely absorbed 5 days after hatching at a water temperature of 27°–28°C.