Description of a postflexion larva specimen of Liopropoma japonicum (Döderlein) off Jeju Island, Korea

Abstract

The morphology of the post-larva of Liopropoma japonicum of the family Serranidae is described from one specimen collected off Jeju Island (32°42′N, 127°45′E) on May 3, 2001. The body is laterally compressed and caudal peduncle deep at 19.4 mm BL. Anus locates at a vertical through posteriormost (8th) dorsal-fin spine. Dorsal fin rays were VIII, 14; anal fin rays III, 10; pectoral fin rays 16; pelvic fin rays I, 5. A caudal fin is rounded. Length of elongate second and third dorsal-fin spines are 499% and 423% of the body length, respectively. A series of 50 sensory pores on body is elongated to caudal fin. Head spination is well developed. Melanophores are moderately large and dense in the head, and are small and rare in the neck. Being freshly collected, the body color is yellowish-red and the tail is semitransparent. The head is yellowish-red and the brain is dark-red.