Ontogenetic development of Parablennius pilicornis (Pisces: Blenniidae) in controlled conditions

Abstract

The full developmental sequence from egg to juvenile of Parablennius pilicornis in controlled conditions is described. Embryonic development lasted 9 days at 18.0 to 21.0°C, 14 days at 17.0 to 20.0°C, 16 days at 16.0 to 19.0°C and 17 days at 14.0 to 18.5°C. Newly hatched larvae measured 3.1 mm total length (TL), had the mouth and anus open, pigmented eyes, almost no yolk, and the pectoral fins were small and unpigmented. Most larvae settled between day 66 and 69 after hatching (27.0 mm TL) and showed full juvenile pigmentation patterns between day 91 and 93 (30.0 mm TL). However, on day 61/62 after hatching (when they were more than 25.0 mm) they began to show a complex agonistic repertoire.

Keywords

• parablennius pilicornis
• early ontogeny
• blenniidae