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A comparative analysis of the ontogeny of syngnathids (pipefishes and seahorses) reveals how heterochrony contributed to their diversification
Schneider, R.F.; Woltering, J.M.; Adriaens, D.; Roth, O. (2023). A comparative analysis of the ontogeny of syngnathids (pipefishes and seahorses) reveals how heterochrony contributed to their diversification. Developmental Dynamics 252(5): 553-588. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.551
In: Developmental Dynamics. Wiley-Blackwell: Hoboken. ISSN 1058-8388; e-ISSN 1097-0177, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Syngnathidae Bonaparte, 1831 [WoRMS]; Teleostei [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    bone; cartilage; development; morphology; pipefish; seahorse; teleost

Authors  Top 
  • Schneider, R.F.
  • Woltering, J.M.
  • Adriaens, D., more
  • Roth, O.

Abstract
    Background

    Syngnathids are a highly derived and diverse fish clade comprising the pipefishes, pipe-horses, and seahorses. They are characterized by a plethora of iconic traits that increasingly capture the attention of biologists, including geneticists, ecologists, and developmental biologists. The current understanding of the origins of their derived body plan is, however, hampered by incomplete and limited descriptions of the early syngnathid ontogeny.

    Results

    We provide a comprehensive description of the development of Nerophis ophidion, Syngnathus typhle, and Hippocampus erectus from early cleavage stages to release from the male brooding organ and beyond, including juvenile development. We comparatively describe skeletogenesis with a particular focus on dermal bony plates, the snout-like jaw morphology, and appendages.

    Conclusions

    This most comprehensive and detailed account of syngnathid development to date suggests that convergent phenotypes (e.g., reduction and loss of the caudal fins), likely arose by distinct ontogenetic means in pipefishes and seahorses. Comparison of the ontogenetic trajectories of S. typhle and H. erectus provides indications that characteristic features of the seahorse body plan result from developmental truncation. Altogether, this work provides a valuable resource and framework for future research to understand the evolution of the outlandish syngnathid morphology from a developmental perspective.


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