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

Green, Bridget S., and Mccormick, Mark I. (2001) Ontogeny of the digestive and feeding systems in the anemonefish Amphiprion melanopus. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 61 (1). pp. 73-83.

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Abstract

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.

Item ID: 13192
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1573-5133
Keywords: digestion; larvae; metamorphosis; osteology; reef fish
Date Deposited: 23 Dec 2010 03:47
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960802 Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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