Developmental stages of the ballan wrasse from first feeding through metamorphosis: Cranial ossification and the digestive system.

ABSTRACT: We have described six developmental stages for the ballan wrasse, from the first feeding until the juvenile stage, supported by specific descriptions of cranial ossification, maturation of the digestive tract, and growth-correlated stages. The initial formation and development of bones are closely linked to the functional anatomical structures required for the mechanics of its feeding behavior and ingestion, particularly the jaws and branchial regions involved in opening the mouth and capturing food particles. The overall ontogeny of the cranial structure compares to that of other teleosts. The cranial ossification of the ballan wrasse skull and the development of its dentary apparatus-first pharyngal teeth and later oral teeth-is linked to the development of the digestive system and to th

SUBMITTER: Norland S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9296024 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature