Abstract
Early squamation of Hexagrammos otakii was observed on approximately 100 laboratoryreared specimens ranging from 20 to 56mm in standard length (SL). Alizarin staining was used to observe the appearance of scales on the body of different larval stages.
Scales first appeared on larvae 27 to 32mm SL on the anterior portion of the trunk and midlaterally on the caudal peduncle. Sequence of squamation is illustrated and figured. Fully squamated specimens were longer than 53.0mm in standard length.
