The embryonic and larval development of the pipefish Syngnathus abaster is described, based on ex situ observations. The full development sequence lasted 24-32 days (at 18-19°C), which was shortened to 21 days at higher temperatures (21-22°C). Newborn juveniles, with a uniform dark brown colouration, immediately assumed a benthic spatial distribution. This vertical distribution pattern remained unchanged at least during the first 4 weeks, after the release from the marsupium. The apparent absence of a pelagic life phase might have important repercussions in terms of population connectivity given increasing fragmentation and degradation of the eelgrass habitat in the species' range. © 2006 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
CITATION STYLE
Silva, K., Monteiro, N. M., Almada, V. C., & Vieira, M. N. (2006). Early life history of Syngnathus abaster. Journal of Fish Biology, 68(1), 80–86. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-1112.2006.00878.x
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