Morphological development of the swimming and feeding apparatus in larval rabbitfish, Siganus guttatus.

Abstract

The development of body parts for swimming and feeding in Siganus guttatus larvae was studied in samples reared in the laboratory at temperatures of 27.3-30 degree C. From the observations, the larval stage of S. guttatus may be divided into three phases: (1) inactive swimming and feeding by swallowing (to about 4-5 mm TL); (2) the transitional phase (to about 7-8 mm TL); and active swimming and feeding (8 mm TL and beyond). A change in feeding habits may be expected in S. guttatus larvae at sizes 7-8 mm TL as shown by this study.