Larval development of Asemichthys taylori (Cottidae)

Larvae of Asemichthys taylori were reared in the laboratory to identifiable juveniles. A preserved series of larvae was characterized in part by fin meristics (X–XI, 14–15 dorsal fin rays; 15 anal fin rays), as well as a combination of the alignment of the jaw tip with the ventral margin of the gut, heavy lateral melanistic pigment except on the caudal peduncle, and a series of postanal ventral melanophores. An internal, horizontal band of melanin extends through the head from the snout to the gut. Hypural plates do not align vertically even after settlement, giving the appearance that the larvae do not complete notochord flexion during their planktonic stage. Larval A. taylori resemble known larvae of Radulinus spp., a genus under which some authors have synonymized the monotypic genus Asemichthys.