Larval development of the freshwater croaker Pachypops fourcroi (La Cepede 1802) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae)

The larval development of Pachypops fourcroi from the lower Amazon River was described through morphological, meristic and morphometric features. Sixty-five larvae were examined and present a moderate body, slightly elliptical eyes and head ranging from moderate to large. The mouth is initially terminal and becomes subterminal throughout development with three barbels in the mentonian region. The larvae of P. fourcroi can be differentiated from other Sciaenidae in the Amazon basin by the pigmentation pattern, the presence of barbels, head depth, body depth and diameter, and shape of the eye.

Automated summary

The larval development of Pachypops fourcroi from the lower Amazon River was described in this study, focusing on morphological, meristic, and morphometric features. The larvae have an initially terminal mouth, which becomes subterminal with three barbels in the mentonian region throughout development. They can be differentiated from other Sciaenidae in the Amazon basin by their pigmentation pattern, presence of barbels, head depth, body depth and diameter, and shape of the eye.