Intergeneric hybridization in Sparidae (Pisces : Teleostei): Dentex (Dentex) dentex female x Pagrus major male and P-major female x D-dentex male

Early developmental stages of the hybrids Dentex (Dentex) dentex female x P agrus major male and P. major female x D. dentex male were compared with th ose of the parental species. Fertilization rates were slightly different fr om those obtained with the parental fish. Two periods of mortality were not ed, one immediately after fertilization and the other about 1 day before ha tching. The mean hatching times of the hybrids and parental species were no t significantly different (P less than or equal to 0.01). Growth of larvae from both maternal species and hybrids at the beginning of active feeding ( day 6 after hatching) to day 30 was also not significantly different (P les s than or equal to 0.01). One D. dentex female x P. major male hybrid reach ed a total length of 5.7 cm at day 104; this specimen became highly canniba listic, typical for the species. Descriptions of early stages of hybrids an d their differences in terms of morphological features of parental species are presented.