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Larvae Information Summary for  Merlangius merlangus
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Main Ref: Russell, F.S. 1976
Yolk-sac larvae
  max min mod Ref.
Length at birth (mm) 3.2 3.5 3.3  
Preanal L. % TL 39.2 37.1    
Place of development planktonic
Larval area Offshore, often finding shelter amongst jellyfishes for protection (Ref. 53061).
Yolk-sac elongated   unpigmented Ref:  
Yolk unsegmented Oil globules no oil globule
Rows on tail dorsal + ventral row
Other melanophores on tail no other melanophores
Melanophores on head + trunk melanophores on head + trunk
Post larvae
Striking feature none
Striking shape lateral normal (not striking) dorsal normal (not striking)
Striking feature none
Shape of gut triangular
Gas bladder   early invisible late invisible
Spinal armature   early no spines late no spines
Pigmentation early
Rows on tail dorsal + ventral row
Other melanophores on tail tail with single melanophore
Melanophores on head + trunk melanophores on head + trunk
Pigmentation late
Rows on tail dorsal + ventral row
Other melanophores on tail tail partly covered with melanophores
Melanophores on head + trunk melanophores on head + trunk
Urostyle region   early pigmented late pigmented
Peritoneum covered with melanophores
Pectorals normal without melanophores
Pelvics normal (i.e. small or absent) without melanophores
Meristic characters
  max min mod Ref.
Total number of vertebrae     52 262
  L 1st feeding Ref. Months of presence of larvae
max 6   Jan Feb Mar Apr
min 4.3   May Jun Jul Aug
mod 5.2   Sep Oct Nov Dec
Water parameters     Metric characters
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