Morphological and functional development of characters associated with settlement in the yellowfin goby, Acanthogobius flavimanus
2004
Kanou, Kouki | Kohno, Hiroshi | Sano, Mitsuhiko
Morphological and functional development of characters from pelagic larval to benthic juvenile periods in the yellowfin goby, Acanthogobius flavimanus, were examined on the basis of 275 specimens (9.4–25.9 mm in standard length) collected in shallow water in the Tama River estuary, central Japan. Judging from the development of osteological features, late pelagic juveniles possessed fully developed swimming and feeding abilities. Rapid changes in various characters, including the formation of a loop-shaped gut, increases in condition factor and teeth number, broader upper-field view capability, and extended scaly area and pigmentation development, occurred during the transition from late pelagic to early benthic periods. Most of the changes were associated with structural and functional aspects enabling more efficient use of benthic resources or the avoidance of predators in the benthic habitat.
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