Studies on the Larvae and Juveniles of Flying Fish, Prognichthys agoo (Temminck et Schlegel) (Pisces, Exocoetidae)

The osteological development of the larvae and juveniles of Prognichthys agoo was examined on the laboratory-roared materials of 5.06-20.01 mm in mean total length(MTL). Cranium, vertebrae, caudal skeleton, siloulder girdle bone, pelvic girdle bone, pterygiophore and jaw bones were descriued in detail to examine the sequences of ossification. Ossification of the cranium took place at ca. 5.06 mm of MTL in exoccipital, basioccipital, parasphenoid. Ossification of the visceral skeleton occurred in areas where active movements of bones were required, notably in the parts for feeding and respiration. Vertebrae began to develop from the anterior end and to ossify posteriorly. Neural and haemal spines of vertebrae ossified always prior to the corresponding centra. Urostyle bone developed as an elongated bone from the early larvae and ossified prior to the centra caudal part. In jaw bones, maxillary and a part of dentary appeared first at 5.06 mm of MTL and attained a fundamental structure at 9.30 mm of MTL. Ossification of all bones was nearly completed at ca. 20.01 mm of MTL.