Larval Fish: Family Syngnathidae
The Syngnathidae (seahorses and pipe fishes) have direct development. The males brood the eggs
in a pouch until they hatch. The larvae look much like the adults and simply change proportions
as they grow. Despite their lack of morphological specialization for planktonic life, they travel
long distances on ocean currents.
(Please click on the image to see it in full view.)
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Cosmocampus albirostris, 20 mm SL, USNM 353548. |
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Syngnathidae, 8 mm SL, USNM 353886. |
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Penetopteryx nanus, 23 mm SL adult, with young, USNM 346207. This young larva was taken
from the pouch of the photographed adult. After the yolk sac is absorbed, the larva will be expelled from the pouch. The parent's responsibility will then end, and the larva will begin feeding and living on its own. |
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