Skeletal Development and Mineralization Pattern of the Vertebral Column, Dorsal, Anal and Caudal Fin Complex in Seriola Rivoliana (Valenciennes, 1833) Larvae

Bone and fins development in Seriola rivoliana were studied from cleared and stained specimens from 3 to 33 days after hatching. The vertebral column began to mineralize in the neural arches at 4.40 ± 0.14 mm Standard Length (SL), continued with the haemal arches and centrums following a cranial-caudal direction. Mineralization of the caudal fin structures started with the caudal rays by 5.12 ± 0.11 mm SL, at the same time that the notochord flexion occurs. The first dorsal and anal fin structures were the hard spines (S), and lepidotrichium (R) by 8.01 ± 0.26 mm SL. The metamorphosis was completed by 11.82 ± 0.4 mm SL. Finally, the fin supports (pterygiophores) and the caudal fins were completely mineralized by 16.1 ± 0.89 mm SL. In addition, the meristic data of 23 structures were provided. Results from the present study might be used as a practical guide for future studies on this field with S. rivoliana or in related species.