Diagnostic characters: distinguished from other pleuronectids with 3-4 pigment bands by: pigment bands extending into finfold; morphology: early larvae long and slender, becoming deep-bodied during development; otic spines; myomeres (50-55).
Pigment: lower jaw; dorsally and ventrally on gut, with development becoming restricted to ventral surface (isthmus to anus); preflexion: three pigment patches in addition to tail and finfold; anterior patch restricted to ventral area; two posterior patches have dorsal and ventral components extending into finfold; around urostyle and in finfold; flexion: pigment patches occur above notochord and along distal ends of finfold; postflexion: pigment patches along dorsal and anal pterygiophores.
Sequence of fin development: caudal, dorsal and anal, pelvics, pectorals. |