The demersal eggs and planktonic larvae of Chromis dispilus (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) in north‐eastern New Zealand coastal waters

Abstract

The demersal eggs and planktonic larvae of Chromis dispilus are described. Information is provided on egg hatching times and the abundance of larvae in surface waters. Eggs reared in the laboratory, and monitored in the field, took 5.5 days to hatch. Pigmentation patterns on the eggs, which change during development, allow the eggs to be staged in situ. Recognition of egg stages can be used to study the spawning and egg hatching times of C. dispilus. Larvae captured in a demersal plankton trap showed that eggs hatch after dark and usually on the outgoing tide. Immediately after hatching, larvae swim to the surface where they can be captured in large numbers using ichthyoplankton hauls. Since C. dispilus spawning is synchronous, large pulses of larvae can be expected to enter the plankton at intervals over the summer breeding season.

Keywords:

• Chromis dispilus
• Pomacentridae
• demersal
• eggs
• larvae
• larval abundances