Diodontidae: M I A1A

Diodon sp

Porcupinefish   

Egg diameter in µm	Number of oil globules	Diameter of oil globule in µm	Yolk texture	Perivitelline space	Position of oil globule at hatch	Gut length   at eye- pigment stage	Myomeres
1945-2115	multiple	NA	clear	narrow	stern	67% of NL	20-21

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Egg: Although these eggs normally have oil globules widely distributed in the yolk (A), occasional eggs are seen with one oil globule when about to hatch (B). At this stage the yolk is misty. Incubation is > 72 hours. When single, the oil globule is amber and measures 170-195µm.

Larva: The early larva is lightly covered in fine white spots (C), which persist to 5 days, while the larva turns brown (D).  C: NH, D: 5 days, E: 150 days (24-26°C).

The larva in Plate E was reared, but only photographed after preservation.

Shao et al (2001) illustrate 4 Diodon species, all with multiple oil globules in the eggs.

This egg has only been seen on 6 occasions off Park Rynie (blue graph). Confirmation of its identity must await expert opinion on the identity of the reared juveniles. Two hatched larva has been barcoded, but no adult barcode match has been found.