On the terminology for phases and stages in the life history of teleostean fishes

Abstract

The terminology generally used for describing the different stages of the life history of teleostean fishes is discussed and suggestions are given for categorizing it under phases and stages. Four phases, viz, embryonic, larval, juvenile and adult are recognized. Of these, the embryonic phase is divided into precleavage, cleavage, shield and postshield stages, and the larval phase is divided into prolarval and postlarval stages. Juveniles and adult phases are not subdivided but the latter could be grouped under different year classes.