Development of Leiognathus Splendens (Cuvier, 1829) Larvae Collected from the Tien Yen Estuary, Northern Vietnam

Development of Leiognathus splendens larvae is described based on 45 specimens (5.9-37.1 mm SL) collected from the Tien Yen Estuary, northern Vietnam. The larvae are identified to species level based on the myomere counts (25), weak serrated on the preopercular, second spines of dorsal and anal find robust, and a jet black on spinous dorsal fin (in larvae lager than 13.8 mm SL). Larvae are laterally compressed and deep bodied (BD=28.6-41.9% SL). The spines on the preoperculum disappear in larvae lager than ca. 9 mm SL. There are no opercular, interopercular and subopercular spines. Fin spines are robust, and the anterior spines of dorsal and anal fins are long and serrate. Fin-ray counts: D VIII, 16-17; A III, 14-15, P 15-19; V I, 5. Myomere 25. Percentages of measured part increase until ca. 15 mm SL, then they seem to be constant up to ca. 37 mm SL. Pigment appears as various sizes of patches on the larval body, and initially it is largely confined to the head, ventral midline. As development proceeds, extensive lateral and dorsal pigment patches present, especially of the later melanophores. The mouth is ventrally protrusible, and extends nearly fully. Teeth are present in both jaws.