Embryonic and larval development of haliotis tuberculata coccinea reeve: an indexed micro-photographic sequence

Abstract

First description of the complete embryo and larval development of the Canarian abalone (Haliotis tuberculata\ncoccinea Reeve.) was conducted along 39 stages from fertilization to the appearance of the third tubule on the cephalic tentacles\nand illustrated in a microphotographic sequence. Eggs obtained by induced spawning with hydrogen peroxide from the GIA\ncaptive broodstock were stocked at a density of 10 eggs/mL and kept at 23 0.5 BC for 62 h until the formation of the third tubule.\nLive eggs and larvae were continuously observed on a 24 h basis at a 3400 magnification under transmitted light. At each stages,\nspecific morphological features, illustrated by microscopic photographs, were described, as well as the time required for their\napparition. Fertilized eggs diameter was 205 8 mm (mean SD), whereas length and width of larvae ready to undergo\nmetamorphosis were 216.6 5.3 mmand 172 8.8 mm, respectively. Knowledge on the larval morphological development acquired\nthrough this study will contribute to the improvement of larval rearing techniques for this abalone species.