| Based on an 8.8 mm larvae: head large, compressed dorsoventrally. Preoperculum has 2 spines. Mouth is large, but interorbital space is small (less than 1/4 of the diameter of the eye). The ridge crossing the cheek below the eye has 3 minute spines. The body tapers towards the posterior part. Pectoral and pelvic fins are larger in proportion to the body length when compared to those in adults. The first dorsal fin has 8 spines, the first one the smallest, the 3rd the largest and gradually reducing in length towards the last spine. The second dorsal and anal fins possess 11 rays. The first and second dorsal fins are yet to move posteriorly to reach their final position as in adults.
Pigmentation: Distinct pigmentation is absent in the caudal fin. |