Table 1 Characteristics of Ryukyuan bobtail eggs and hatchlings.
Trait | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Egg size + jelly coat + sand | 2.5 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm |
Egg size (minus jelly coat) | 1.5 mm | 2 mm | 3 mm |
Egg clustering pattern | Individually laid | Individually laid | Laid as a cluster |
Typical number of eggs found per clutch | >50 | 13–20 | >100 |
Number of embryos found per egg unit | 1 | 1 or 2 (for eggs laid in captivity) | 1 |
Dorsal mantle length at hatching | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 2 mm |
Swimming behavior at hatching | Swimming near surface | Benthic | Swimming near surface |
Dorsal Mantle Length at maturity | Unknown | 12–15 mm | 30–40 mm |
Number of rows of suckers | Two | Two | Four |
Color of hatchlings | Dark brown | Dark brown | Dark brown |
Positive phototaxic | Yes | Not obvious | Actively swimming towards light source |
Food at hatching | Unsuccessful | Juvenile mysids (2–4 mm) | Adult mysids (5–10 mm) |
Hunting pattern at hatching | Unsuccessful | Uses tentacles to seize prey while striking from below | Jets forward and seizes prey from below; holds prey with arms while eating |
