The swamp cichlid or zacatera is an endemic species of the southeastern region of Mexico, which holds high commercial and cultural value due to the quality of its meat. Traditionally, this species has been an important nutritional resource for local populations. To contribute to the biological knowledge of the species, the present research focused on the study of the early development of the swamp cichlid, describing both its embryonic and larval development. Morphological development and meristic characters were analyzed at different developmental stages, from the zygote to embryo hatching, and throughout the larval stages: newly hatched larva, preflexion larva, flexion larva, postflexion larva, pre-juvenile, and juvenile. The study was carried out through observation and measurement using microscopes and specialized software, following conventional criteria. Newly spawned eggs have a circular shape, which becomes oval as embryonic metamorphosis progresses, with sizes ranging from 1.8 to 2.4 mm. Embryonic development is completed within 2 days after spawning, while the larval stage lasts for 18 days post-hatching (DPH). Newly hatched larvae exhibited a total length (TL) of 4.46–5.80 mm; in the preflexion stage, TL ranged from 5.63 to 6.78 mm; in the flexion stage, from 6.49 to 8.84 mm; and in the postflexion stage, from 7.57 to 10.56 mm. Mouth opening occurs during the flexion stage, marking the beginning of exogenous feeding. Comparisons with other cichlids reveal differences in ontogenetic processes and variations in developmental timing. The recorded environmental parameters did not affect the embryonic or larval development of the species. This research provides valuable data for the basic biology and biotechnological management of this cichlid.
KEY WORDS: Cichlid; Freshwater; Ontogeny; Embryo; Larvae.
HERNÁNDEZ-GÓMEZ, R. E. HERNÁNDEZ, F. A.; VALENZUELA-CÓRDOVA, I.; CASTILLO-DOMÍNGUEZ, A. & MELGAR VALDES, C. E. Embryonic and larval development of Cincelichthys pearsei (Hubbs, 1936), (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in southeastern Mexico. Int. J. Morphol., 43(5):1561-1570, 2025.
