A Description of Eggs and Larvae of the Snake Eel, Pisodonophis Cruentifer (Ophichthidae)

Published descriptions of eggs and early larvae of Pisodonophis cruentifer are amplified. Late stage embryos are identified by preanal myomere count (62–72), absence of pigment, and similarity to newly hatched larvae, while larvae are identified by preanal myomere count and the presence of four or more intestinal loops with corresponding pigment patches. Details of embryonic development are described and summarized in a timetable. Spawning occurred daily at 2100 h, and the embryos hatched about 4 days later at 22.2° to 22.8°C. Minimum mortality throughout embryonic development was estimated at 48% to 57.6%.