Serranid larvae one of four types, corresponding to two subfamilies (Serraninae and Anthiinae) and two of tribes of Epinephelininae (Grammistini-Lipropomini) (Kendall, 1984). Serraninae larvae without elongate spines in opercular region, rather a series of blunt points. Fin spines thin, only slightly elongate in some. Most larval pigment as melanophores in characteristic positions along ventral mid-line (Kendall, 1984). Inasmuch as species of Diplectrum have overlapping meristic features and geographic ranges, larvae cannot be assigned to species. Larvae with series of five melanophores ventrally on caudal peduncle, one spot at base of caudal fin. Membrane of dorsal and ventral fins variously pigmented (Diplectrum sp). Anthiinae larvae with relatively deep body, many spines on opercular region. Some species with armature on head, and inter-opercle with characteristic long, posteriorly-directed, spine overlain by even larger spine on pre-opercle. Pelvic and some dorsal spines strong, not very elongate. Hemanthias vivanus larvae with slightly elongate dorsal and ventral fins, well developed head ornamentation (Baldwin, 1990) (Hemanthias vivanus). Grammistini-Lipropomini larvae characterized by one or two elongate dorsal spines, covered with very long filamentous membrane, and in some an elongate ventral spine (Baldwin et al., 1991).
Table Serranidae
22 geographic zones