Early life history of Syngnathus abaster

Abstract

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.