Early life history of Ilisha elongata (Pristigasteridae, Clupeiformes, Pisces) in Ariake Sound, Shimabara Bay, Japan

The ontogeny of Ilisha elongata was reviewed, and their early distribution was examined because information on the early life history of this species is limited. Revision in ontogeny revealed several unique characteristics to this species, such as two chorions in the egg and a more anterior pelvic bud (fin) position. These characteristics contrast strikingly with the clupeid fishes, suggesting that this species belongs to the Pristigasteridae and not to the Clupeidae. Data from ichthyoplankton collected in March, May, July and November suggest that I. elongata spawned just off river mouths in summer and attained peak spawning in June. The larvae with elliptical eyes migrated inside the rivers, where the waters were more turbid. Thus, the spawning and nursery grounds of I. elongata almost entirely overlapped with those of the clupeid Sardinella zunasi both temporally and spatially, which may result in larval competition between the two species.