N. Privileggi, D. Ota, E.A. Ferrero-1997
Ital. J. Zool., 64: 201-207, in Rotifer News, 30 (Dec '97)
Describes growth and development of the goby. The first exogenous feeding on rotifers occurs at day 2 post-hatching, while yolk sac absorption and the negative phototaxis are at day 4. Larvae metamorphose into juveniles at day 13 when all the fins appear. They feed on Artemia and show an increased growth rate. At day 26, the juvenile bodies become compressed dorso-ventrally. The juveniles shift to benthic habits and can be fed on artificial feed pellets. At day 82, the final body shape and colour patterns are acquired and territorial behaviour is displayed.
(Univ. Trieste, Dip. Biol., Via Gioegieri 7, I-34127 Trieste, Italy)