Abstract
TABLE 3. Pterois volitans, Dendrochirus barberi, and D. hemprichi meristics by life stage. Counts represent the number of pterygiophores or developing elements along the respective fin base. Numbers in parentheses denote rare counts. ND: character not developed. Third element of anal fin does not transform into third anal spine until after settlement.
MetricPterois volitansDendrochirus barberiD. hemprichiPreflexionFlexionPostflexionTransformersPostflexionTransformersJuvenileNumber of specimens1251461Standard length (mm)2.53.6–3.95.9–10.212.98.6–9.210.6–14.521.0Dorsal-fin elements (spines, rays)ND0, 10(XII) XIII, 11 (12)IX, 12 1XII, 10XIII, 9XIII, 9Anal-fin elements (spines, rays)ND0, 0–8II, 8II, 8II, 6II, 6III, 5Pectoral-fin elements (left, right side)NDAnlage14, 1414, 1417 right17 right17 rightPelvic-fin elementsNDBuds3 rays to I, 5I, 5I, 5I, 5I, 5Primary caudal-fin elementsNDAnlage7 + 77 + 77 + 77 + 77 + 7Secondary caudalfin elementsNDND0–1 + 0–13 + 30–1 + 0–12–3 + 2–33 + 3
1 Aberrant larva lacking anterior three dorsal spines & associated structures