Growth characteristics,pigmentation, and the identificaton of whitebait (galaxias spp., Salmonoidea)

Definitions are given for stages in the development of five species of Galaxias, family Galaxiidae, which have marine larvae.

Larvae of Galaxias maculates attenuates and G. brevipinnis are large, and those of G. fasciatus relatively small as they enter fresh water from the sea. Development as whitebait involves shrinkage by about 25% in total length; the head length, considered separately, shrinks by about 15%. The ratio of standard length to head length alters from the larval to the adult value before positive growth recommences. These features are probably similar for G. postvectis and G. argenteus

Minimum observed pigmentation is described for the late larvae of G m. attenuates, G. brevipinnis, and G. fasciatus and for early whitebait of these and of G. postvectis and G. argenteus Subsequent development of melanophores and of colour pattern is described and figured. Large melano‐phores along the lateral line distinguish early whitebait of G. m. attenuates, but no distinguishing feature of pigmentation has been found in other species until the juvenile pattern is apparent. This pattern is characteristic for each species, and it persists in adult G. m. attenuates. G. argenteus has distinct juvenile and adult patterns, the latter being developed in a second, superficial, layer of pigment cells. Adult G. postvectis develop a distinctive fin colour pattern unlike other New ‐Zealand Galaxias; the superficial pigment layer is without definite pattern. In adult G. brevipinnis this layer resembles the persistent juvenile pattern and the two layers combined give a reticulate appearance. In G. fasciatus the juvenile pattern persists and develops as the fish grow; the superficial pigment layer is present in adults but is not usually apparent.

Until now positive identification of whitebait has depended on colour pattern. Recently recorded identifications of unpigmented whitebait are shown to be misleading. A key is given for the identification of early and late whitebait using absolute measurements as an important character.