• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.263-269
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• 2023

This study aims to contribute to the research on resource recovery for the rapidly declining population of Liparis tanakae by observing the larval development process and the morphology of juveniles based on their growth. Natural spawning eggs collected in Yeosu were used for observing the process of egg development and larval morphology. The water temperature during the rearing process was maintained at 12.3~13.5℃ (average 12.7℃). The fertilized eggs had an egg diameter ranging from 1.57 to 1.79 mm (average 1.71 mm) and were spherical and adhesive. Within 4 hours 35 minutes after fertilization, they reached the two-cell stage, and after 74 hours 10 minutes, the formation of the yolk sac began. At 106 hours post-fertilization, a caudal fin appeared at the tail tip. Hatching began at 526 hours, and the larvae developed with the yolk sac positioned just behind the eyes. The newly hatched larvae had both the mouth and anus open. Melanophores appeared inside the lower jaw and around the tail on the third day after hatching. By the 16th day after hatching, most of the yolk was absorbed, and melanophores were visible in the head region. Finally, on the 63rd day after hatching, the head region significantly developed, and the body shape and mouth were similar to those of an adult fish, signifying the transition to the juvenile stage. This study will serve as valuable data for aquaculture techniques related to the conservation and restoration of fish species based on the hatching and juvenile morphology of Liparis tanakae.