Embryonic development of corkwing wrasse, Symphodus melops

Abstract

Eggs from corkwing wrasse, Symphodus melops were described, photographed and illustrated to characterise the embryonic development of this species. Egg development was divided into 8 stages from fertilisation until hatching with descriptions of key features for each stage. The rate of development in corkwing wrasse eggs at temperatures commonly found along the Norwegian coast (12, 15 and 18 C) was also investigated. The rate of development was faster at higher temperatures. Keywords: labridae, cleaner fish, embryonic development, corkwing wrasse