Larvae of checked swallowtail (Odontanthias borbonius) (Teleostei: Serranidae: Anthiadinae), with comparisons of spiny ornamentation in related anthiadine species

The larval morphology of the checked swallowtail, the anthiadine Odontanthias borbonius, is described based on 4 postflexion specimens collected from the southern East China Sea and its vicinity. This represents the first morphological information about the larvae of the genus Odontanthias. The larvae have distinguishing characteristics such as a deep and hunchbacked body, pointed snout, minimal pigmentation, and highly developed spiny ornamentation. The ornamentation is found on most of the exposed head bones, fin spines, and larval scales. In particular, the spination on the maxilla is new information in anthiadine larvae. These characteristics including scale and/or fin element features are shared by larvae of 2 other anthiadine genera, Baldwinella and Sacura. However, since there are some differences in the spiny ornamentation patterns, comparisons of the patterns were made between Odontanthias and Baldwinella, and between Odontanthias and Sacura. Spiny ornamentation in larvae may be useful in resolving current taxonomic issues such as clarification of the generic classification of Odontanthias and Sacura.