Larval Development of Golden Shiner and Comely Shiner from Northeastern Pennsylvania

Abstract

Abstract Total length (TL) of newly hatched golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) ranged from 4.0 to 4.3 mm (average, 4.2 mm); standard length ranged from 3.9 to 4.2 mm (average, 4.1 mm). Newly hatched larvae had pigmented eyes, pectoral fin buds, straight urostyles, and incomplete mouths. Transformation to the postlarval phase occurred in larvae 5.0 mm TL and to the late postlarval phase by 14.7 mm TL. Total length of newly hatched comely shiner (Notropis amoenus) ranged from 5.1 to 5.5 mm (average, 5.4 mm); standard length ranged from 4.9 to 5.3 mm (average, 5.2 mm). Newly hatched larvae had pectoral fin buds, straight urostyles, and incomplete mouths. Eyes of newly hatched larvae were pigmented around the outer margin. Transformation to the postlarval phase occurred in 7.3-mm TL larvae and to the late postlarval phase by 13.2 mm TL. Size, pigmentation patterns, and preanal myomere number can be used to separate these two species.