Largest and most diverse family of Scorpaeniformes, with over 350 species (Washington et al., 1984). Larvae with relatively large head, tapering tail. Head region normally well armored, with many spines from flexion stage on. Typical larvae difficult to characterize. Therefore, we present two larval forms of this diverse group. Helicolenus dactylopterus larvae with moderate body depth, compact gut extending to midpoint of body. Parietal spine strong, serrate. Three strong spines on margin of pre-opercle. Several superficial melanophores on trunk above axillary region. Pectoral fin large, fan-like from pre-flexion stage, medial surface of pectoral fin base solidly pigmented. Group of melanophores at ventral mid-line of tail just anterior to where anal fin will form (Moser et al., 1977) (Helicolenus dactylopterus). Coccotropsis gymnoderma larvae look unlike other scorpaenid larvae. Head spination not well developed. Laboratory-reared larvae with very large fan-like pectoral fin, well-developed dorsal and caudal fins (Brownell, 1979). Dorso-lateral surfaces of gut heavily pigmented, with group of melanophores on axillary region and on mid-lateral line of tail (Coccotropsis gymnoderma).
Table Scorpaeniformes
22 geographic zones