Larval development of multispotted goby (Sicydium multipunctatum Regan, 1906), Awaous sp. Valenciennes, 1837, and small goby (Evorthodus minutus Meek and Hildebrand, 1928) in the Mexican Pacific

The larval stages of multispotted goby (Sicydium multipunctatum), Awaous sp. (river gobies), and small goby (Evorthodus minutus) are described. Forty-seven larval Gobiidae were grouped into 3 morphotypes according to pigmentation pattern, morphology, and meristic measurements. Sixteen postflexion larvae were cleared and stained for internal osteological and meristic characteristics. Differences in meristic counts between species were found in the anal fin (S. multipunctatum and Awaous sp. with I,10 and E. minutus with I,11) and pectoral-fin rays (S. multipunctatum with 20, Awaous sp. 16 and E. minutus with 14). Sicydium multipunctatum and E. minutus have one epural bone and Awaous sp. has 2. Sicydium multipunctatum and Awaous sp. have pigmentation between caudal myomeres 9 and 12 that gives a Y appearance. In S. multipunctatum, a long, external melanophore between caudal myomeres 11 and 12 extends towards the dorsal margin, with dendritic branches. Evorthodus minutus presents 3 small melanophore lines on the hypaxial myosepta between precaudal myomeres 6 and 9. In the lower portion of each line, there is a dotted or dendritic melanophore that varies in shape and size according to body size; the largest is located posteriorly near the anus.