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Ontogeny of the digestive and feeding systems in the anemonefish Amphiprion melanopus

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 19:17 authored by Bridget Green, McCormick, MI
Ontogenetic growth and development in the anemonefish Amphiprion melanopus (Pomacentridae) is very rapid when compared to other tropical and temperate fish species. A. melanopus hatched with a highly differentiated digestive tract and the ability to capture and ingest prey items. Their alimentary tract changes rapidly throughout the larval period. Concurrent with yolksac absorption at three days after hatching was the development of the stomach followed by calcification of the jaw structures. This period of acute structural change may be a critical period in their development. Metamorphosis coincided with settlement at 8 days after hatching and was marked by calcification of fins and acquirement of adult coloration. The rapid development found in this species may be a specialisation to enhance the return of larvae to a patchy and highly specific settlement habitat.

History

Publication title

Environmental Biology of Fishes

Volume

61

Pagination

73-83

ISSN

0378-1909

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Kluwer Academic Publ

Place of publication

Netherlands

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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