Larval and juvenile development of Pike Gudgeon, Pseudogobio esocinus (Cyprinidae: Gobioninae)

We describe the larval and juvenile development of Pike Gudgeon, Pseudogobio esocinus, using laboratory-reared specimens. Newly hatched larvae with a 4.2–4.6 mm body length (BL) and 22–23 + 16 = 38–39 myomeres had melanophores on their head and body. The yolk sac was completely absorbed at 5.0 mm BL. Notochord flexion was initiated at 5.0–6.0 mm BL and completed at 7.3 mm BL. The aggregate number of all fin rays was completed at 11 mm BL. Several rod-like cupulae were observed on the head and lateral side of the body at 4.2–11.0 mm BL and were completely distinguished at 11.0–14.0 mm BL. Squamation was initiated on the caudal body at approximately 11.0 mm BL and completed at 11.0–14.0 mm BL. The newly hatched larvae had well-developed eyes and large pectoral fins.