Normal stages of embryonic development of a brood parasite, the rosy bitterling Rhodeus ocellatus (Teleostei: Cypriniformes).

ABSTRACT: Bitterlings, a group of freshwater teleosts, provide a fascinating example among vertebrates of the evolution of brood parasitism. Their eggs are laid inside the gill chamber of their freshwater mussel hosts where they develop as brood parasites. Studies of the embryonic development of bitterlings are crucial in deciphering the evolution of their distinct early life-history. Here, we have studied 255 embryos and larvae of the rosy bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus) using in vitro fertilization and X-ray microtomography (microCT). We describe 11 pre-hatching and 13 post-hatching developmental stages spanning the first 14 days of development, from fertilization to the free-swimming stage. In contrast to previous developmental studies of various bitterling species, the staging system we describe

SUBMITTER: Yi W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8252481 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature