Pigmentation, Squamation and the Osteological Development of Larval and Juvenile Gray Angelfish, Pomacanthus Arcuatus (pomacanthidae: Pisces)

Gray angelfish larvae (Pomacanthus arcuatus) are undescribed. In this study 109 wild caught and reared larval, and one adult P. arcuatus are examined for larval pigmentation, squamation, head spination, morphometry, and development of selected osteological features. The larvae do not have a tholichthys stage, but specializations include spinous projections on scales; up to 45 preopercular spines, as well as a preopercular corner spine and a laterosensory canal in juvenile specimens. Body depth is 17.85% of body length at 2.8 mm NL and increases to 71.4% in a 200 mm SL adult specimen. Flexion begins at 4.5 mm NL and is complete by 5.0 mm SL. Vertebrae appear at 3.7 mm NL as saddle-shaped ossifications and sequence of development is from anterior to posterior. The second dorsal and anal fins form concurrently followed sequentially by the caudal tin, first dorsal fin, pelvic fin and pectoral fin.