FEATURES OF EMBRYONIC AND LARVAL DEVELOPMENT OF CRUCIAN CARP, CARASSIUS-CARASSIUS (L) WITH A NOTE ON SPECIES IDENTIFICATION

Mature and larval crucian carps were captured from natural ponds near Joensuu, Eastern Finland. The spawning fish were stripped and eggs were artificially fertilized. Different stages of embryonic, larval and juvenile development were described from fish kept at 20-degrees-C in the laboratory. In 2-4 days from hatching the larvae started to feed and swim actively. The fins differentiated gradually at the fish lengths of 8.5-15 mm. No difference was noted in the development between larvae taken from the pond and those reared in the laboratory.