Presence of dentition in the premaxilla of juvenile Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus

Abstract

The genus Mullus is usually described as lacking teeth in the premaxilla. Contrary to generic descriptions (based on adult specimens), the juveniles of M. barbatus and M. surmuletus have teeth in the premaxilla; however, the teeth are not visible in specimens >50 mm total length, because they are covered by lip tissue. The number of teeth decrease with juvenile growth and disappears after c . 100 mm total length is attained.