| Pigmentation sparse; pectoral fin pigment limited to distal margin of fin until late postflexion stage; pigmentation on gular membrane limited to medial areas; pectoral fin heavily pigmented in juveniles; 10 spines in first dorsal fin compared with 11 in Bellator.
Pigmentation:
Yolk-sac: Migrating ventrad from top of head and dorsum; scattered on yolk sac.
Pre-flexion: Postanal ventral midline series, double anteriorly; heavy patch above gut; a patch embedded anterior to gut; sparse ventrally on gut; sparse or absent on upper and lower jaws; sparse or absent in gular region (if present, a few scattered or in median series); sparse or absent on pectoral fin, limited to distal margin.
Flexion-postflexion: On nape and dorsally on brain; heavier on pectoral fin; in late postflexion stage, at mid-lateral hypural region and below first dorsal fin.
Juvenile: Pectoral fin very dark.
Sequence of fin development: principal caudal fin rays and pectoral fin, anal fin and second dorsal fin, first dorsal fin, pelvic fin and procurrent caudal fin rays. |
