The Early Development of the Blue-Eye Cichlid, Cryptoheros spilurus (Cichliformes: Cichlidae)

Abstract

The early development of Cryptoheros spilurus, a substrate-breeding Middle American cichlid, was studied from hatching to 16 days post-hatching (dph), to document for the first time, the sequence of key ontogenetic changes. Eggs, deposited on rocky substrates, measured 1.65 ± 0.05 mm in diameter, with asynchronous hatching occurring at 52–54 h post-fertilization. Hatchlings (TL = 4.739 ± 0.27 mm) showed a large yolk sacs, finfold, straight notochord, and undeveloped eyes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed early differentiation of structures, including cement glands, olfactory pits, and optic primordia. Cement glands, previously reported in other cichlids, were documented here in their full developmental chronology, including their regression by 7 dph. Cranial development proceeded rapidly, with pigmentation and eye formation initiating by 1 dph and oral cavity, dentition, and taste buds forming by 6 dph. Fin development followed a sequential pattern: early pectoral fin formation supported initial mobility, while caudal, dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins emerged progressively, with full formation completed by 16 dph. Pigmentation evolved from a ventral melanophore stripe to a distinct species-specific pattern involving xanthophores and iridophores. By 16 dph, C. spilurus had completed metamorphosis (TL = 13.168 ± 0.55 mm). Allometric analysis revealed biphasic growth trajectories. Structures involved in feeding and sensory input, such as head length, snout length, and gape size, exhibited prolonged positive allometry, while trunk and tail traits showed delayed or negative allometry. These patterns reflect functional prioritization during the shift to active foraging. This study highlights C. spilurus as a valuable model for examining heterochrony, morphological modularity, and ecological adaptation during early development. Our findings provide essential baseline data for future comparative work on developmental plasticity and diversification in Neotropical cichlids.