Embryonic and larval development in the freshwater angelfish <em>(Pterophyllum scalare)</em>

The freshwater angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare like many other cichlids show parental care of embryos and larvae. This study was carried out to investigate the embryonic development P. scalare, which shows biparental substrate brooding. During adult reproductive behavior observed. Once eggs were fertilized upon spawning, early later stages observed, documented various embryo length measurements analyzed characterize developmental pattern in this species. Whole mounts bone cartilage acid free double stained larvae further understand rates hatched events compared with those cichlid species as well zebrafish, Danio rerio (Family Cyprinidae), does not care. After fertilization, cleavage division starts 1.30 hours post fertilization (hpf). On average, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation pharyngula periods embryogenesis are observed for approximately 3 ½, 11 9 36 12 respectively. Ultimately, around 72 Head Length, dorsal, caudal anal fins positive allometric growth while body depth digestive tract almost isometric growth. highlights that similar a few studied cichlids, larval occur at slower rate D. rerio. In including may allow these luxury developing whereas lack thereof necessitate faster development.