Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

Abstract

Skeletal Development and Mineralization Pattern of the Vertebral Column, Dorsal, Anal and Caudal Fin Complex in Seriola Rivoliana (Valenciennes, 1833) Larvae

Mesa-Rodríguez A, Hernández-Cruz CM, Socorro JA, Fernández-Palacios H, Izquierdo MS and Roo J

Bone and fins development in Seriola rivoliana were studied from cleared and stained specimens from 3 to 33 days after hatching. The vertebral column began to mineralize in the neural arches at 4.40 ± 0.14 mm Standard Length (SL), continued with the haemal arches and centrums following a cranial-caudal direction. Mineralization of the caudal fin structures started with the caudal rays by 5.12 ± 0.11 mm SL, at the same time that the notochord flexion occurs. The first dorsal and anal fin structures were the hard spines (S), and lepidotrichium (R) by 8.01 ± 0.26 mm SL. The metamorphosis was completed by 11.82 ± 0.4 mm SL. Finally, the fin supports (pterygiophores) and the caudal fins were completely mineralized by 16.1 ± 0.89 mm SL. In addition, the meristic data of 23 structures were provided. Results from the present study might be used as a practical guide for future studies on this field with S. rivoliana or in related species.