Postembryonic development of the tubenose goby Proterorhinus marmoratus Pallas (Gobiidae) in the St. Clair River/Lake system, Ontario

Abstract

Postembryonic developmental stages (5-40 mm) of the tubenose goby Proterorhinus marmoratus (PALLAS) are described and illustrated. Fish were collected in vegetated shore habitat in the St. Clair River/Lake system, Ontario, during 1994-2000. At hatch, the tubenose goby is precocious and closely resembles juveniles. Distinguishing morphologic characters include a cottid-like body with broad head, dorsolateral eyes, tubular anterior nostrils, two dorsal fins, thoracic fused pelvic fins, and spatulate caudal fin. Modal values for pre- and postanal myomeres are 11 and 20, respectively. The first dorsal fin has 6 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 16 soft rays. Anal, pectoral, pelvic fin spine and ray counts are I-13, 15, and I-5, respectively. Black stripes on snout, occiput, and anterior membranes of the first dorsal fin are distinguishing pigmentary features.