All larval forms known except in three genera (Gasterochisma, Orcynopsis and Cybiosarda). Morphological characters common to scombrid larvae are: 1) large head, large mouth opening, large eye, 2) development of head spination (except in Scomber), 3) posterior migration of anus with growth. In all 7 species of tuna (Thunnus spp.), larvae slightly pigmented, with 39 myomeres. Most species separated on basis of melanophores (Richards and Potthoff, 1974). Thunnus thynnus larvae with distinct black pigment spots on tail: 1-2 on dorsal edge; 2-3 on ventral edge; no black pigment on pectoral symphysis, or on caudal fin (Thunnus thynnus). This pattern similar to Thunnus atlanticus larvae from South Atlantic, can be separated based on number of pre-caudal and caudal vertebrae (Potthoff, 1974).
Table Scombridae
22 geographic zones