A. Vagelli, The reproductive biology and early ontogeny of the mouthbrooding Banggai cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni (Perciformes, Apogonidae), ENV BIOL F, 56(1), 1999, pp. 79-92
Pterapogon kauderni differs from most apogonids in several aspects of its r
eproductive biology. A breeding pair often allows a secondary male to inter
vene during mating. Each clutch consists of about 40 eggs 3 mm in diameter,
held together by chorionic filaments and is incubated in the buccal pouch
of the male for approximately 19 days. P. kauderni is the first apogonid in
which direct development is described. Embryos hatch at post-flexion stage
s measuring about 6 mm SL and remain in the male's oral cavity for another
ten days. When released as juveniles they measure 8 mm SL, their large yolk
sac is almost entirely consumed, and they do not pass through a planktonic
interval. After release, juveniles do not return to the male's mouth for re
fuge, and any association between the male and newly released juveniles cea
ses. Juveniles reach 30 mm TL after four months and mature in another five
to seven months. The embryo and juvenile development is presented.