Early Developmental Stages of the Carpet Sole Liachirus melanospilos (Bleeker, 1854) (Pleuronectiformes: Soleidae) from the South China Sea (Central Vietnam)

Late embryonic and larval development of the carpet sole Liachirus melanospilos was followed until completion of metamorphosis and transition to the juvenile state. Illustrations and morphological descriptions of the early developmental stages are presented. The material of L. melanospilos was obtained from ichthyoplankton samples (Central Vietnam) and incubated under laboratory conditions at a temperature of about 24°C. Taxonomic identification of the species was carried out based on the analysis of a partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( CO1 ) gene.