Characters of larvae - what are they
2002
Urho, L. (Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Inst., Helsinki (Finland))
I examine the different definitions of a larva, the larval period, including metamorphosis, and the juvenile period. I discuss the feasibility of various definitions and the nomenclature on the basis of character evaluation. The occurrence of larval morphological characters, i.e. larval fin fold, differention of fins, temporary organs, absence of scale cover, non-adult like body proportions and pigmentation, is examined and some features are compared in eleven species. Dispersal strategies are examined in light of larval morphology and behaviour. After fin differentiation, the transition from larva to juvenile would seem to be best described by the dominant morphological changes in body proportions and coloration, combined with behavioural aspects and habitat changes.
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