This work presents the characterization of larval external morphology of the kissing gourami Helostoma temminckii, an aquarium fish of the family Helostomatidae, reared all over the world. A total of 38 larvae (standard length between 3.2 and 10.1 mm), obtained through natural reproduction carried out in the Fish Culture Station of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, were used. The morphometric measurements pre-dorsal, pre-pectoral and pre-anal distances, and body height varied positively with standard length, and body proportions varied between 30.8 and 51.2%; 12.9 and 37.9%; 38.2 and 58.3%, and 17.2 and 30.43% CP, respectively. The eye diameter varied positively with the length of the head (CC), but its body proportion decreased with growth, varying between 63.3 and 30.2% CC, within fish lenghts from 3.2 to 10.1 mm, respectively. The external morphological characterization of larvae with 3.9, 6.6, 7.7, 8.0 and 10.1 mm CP are presented, showing the notochord flexion (CP between 5.5 and 6.8 mm), the appearance of rays and formation of the caudal (CP between 5.5 and 7.5 mm), dorsal (CP above 7.5 mm), anal (larger than 7.5 mm CP) and pectoral fins (larger than 8 mm CP); the modification of body shape and pigmentation absence. Larvae with 10.1 mm CP don't show completely developed dorsal and anal fins, with their definitive number of rays. The opening of mouth and anus, and reduction of the yolk-sac were observed in larvae with CP between 6.5 and 7.5 mm. Such information is importam for larval rearing of the species, besides providing data for comparative ontogenic analysis of other Perciformes.
Helostoma temminckii; kissing gourami; larval development