Larval development of the Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii (Perciformes, Gobioidei, Odontobutidae) and the origin of fish of the suborder Gobioidei

The external morphology and development of skeletal elements is investigated in larvae and fry of one of the most generalized representatives of the suborder Gobioidei—the Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii. It is characterized by an indirect type of development accompanied by the expressed metamorphosis, according to Balon’s classification (1985). Fry of P. glenii are capable of an active mode of life and exogenous feeding almost immediately after hatching which favors a wide distribution of this species. Morphogenesis of previously revealed diagnostic characters of Gobioidei is investigated. New apomorphies are found also indicating to a high separation level of P. glenii from representatives of other suborders of Perciformes. At the same time, it is found that some developmental traits of P. glenii are characteristic of generalized Perciforems. Some advanced characters acquired in parallel with representatives from the group of suborders Blennioidei s. l. also indirectly indicate that P. glenii and, generally, Gobioidei belong to Perciformes. Analysis of special traits of development of the skeleton of P. glenii supports the ideas of Regan (1911) on the origin of Gobioidei from generalized Percoidei. With consideration of advanced characters, general for Gobioidei and the suborders Trachinoidei, Notothenioidei, Zoarcoidei, and Blennioidei of the group Blennioidei s. l., it is assumed that Gobioidei and Blennioidei s. l. stem from the same group or from the related groups of Percoidei.