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Larvae Information Summary for  Clupea harengus
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Main Ref: Russell, F.S. 1976
Yolk-sac larvae
  max min mod Ref.
Length at birth (mm) 10 4 7.2 37
Preanal L. % TL     82.1  
Place of development planktonic
Larval area Northeastern Atlantic (British coasts: Plymouth area); Northwestern Atlantic (Delaware Bay)
Yolk-sac elongated     Ref:  
Yolk unsegmented Oil globules no oil globule
Rows on tail ventral row
Other melanophores on tail no other melanophores
Melanophores on head + trunk melanophores on trunk
Yolk is usually completely absorbed when the larvae have reached lengths of 8-10 mm (Ref. 37). Remnants of yolk may persist in some specimens as long as 12 mm (Ref. 33011). Pigmentation: Line of chromatophores between body and intestine on anterior half of body, ventrally along intestine on posterior half; concentration of pigment in vent region.
Post larvae
Striking feature none
Striking shape lateral eel-like dorsal normal (not striking)
Striking feature none
Shape of gut tube-like
Gas bladder   early   late  
Spinal armature   early no spines late no spines
Pigmentation early
Rows on tail ventral row
Other melanophores on tail no other melanophores
Melanophores on head + trunk melanophores on trunk
Rows on tail ventral row
Other melanophores on tail no other melanophores
Melanophores on head + trunk melanophores on trunk
Peritoneum with row of melanophores
Pectorals normal melanophores at fin base
Pelvics normal (i.e. small or absent) without melanophores
In general in northern areas, post larvae will be most abundant in late spring and summer, while in the south they will predominate during the late winter and early spring (Ref. 37). Pigmentation: Body transparent, pigment increased in density in region of anus and below pectorals. Sequence of fin development: dorsal (10.5 mm); anal (16-29 mm).
  L 1st feeding Ref. Months of presence of larvae
max 10   Jan Feb Mar Apr
min 8   May Jun Jul Aug
mod 9   Sep Oct Nov Dec
Water parameters     Metric characters
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