Osteological Development of Fins and Their Supports of Larval Grey Triggerfish, Balistes capriscus

Abstract

The osteological development of the fins and their supports are described from cleared and stained specimens of Balistes capriscus, ranging from 3.2 to 23.5 mm SL.The first basal pterygiophore which sustains the anterior two dorsal spines is originally composed of two elements and their fusion occurs very early in the larval stage.The paired structure of the rudimentary fin ray elements of the pelvic complex is confirmed.The centrum-hypural plate of the caudal fin originates from fusion of the urostyle and four hypurals.