We observed the osteological development of larval and juvenile red spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) in order to generate data for the assessment of skeletal deformities and to inform phylogenetic systematics research. Larvae and juveniles were obtained from a aquafarm in Muan-gun, Jeolla-namdo Province, Korea. The average water temperature at the time of breeding was 23.0°C and average water salinity was 33.0 psu. Freshly hatched fish larvae had not undergone any ossification, but ossification of the parasphenoid bone, which forms the base of the cranium, occurred as the juveniles reached an average body length (BL) of 2.49 mm. At the same time, ossification of the preopercle and opercle occurred in the operculum, and ossification of the maxilla, which forms the upper jaw, and the dentary bones, which form the lower jaw, began. In addition, ossification of the vertebra occurred by formation of 7 vertebral centra and the neural spine in the abdominal vertebra. When the juveniles reached an average (BL) of 5.22 mm, ossification of the nasal, lateral ethmoid, and alisphenoid bones occurred in the cranium; ossification of the endopterygoid and metapterygoid bones began in the palatine region; and ossification of the hypohyal and interhyal bones occurred in the hyoid arch. At an average (BL) of 20.9 mm, ossification of the basisphenoid bone in the cranium and the suborbital bone in the orbital region occurred. Ossification of the vertebra then occurred by the formation of long pairs of ribs from the third to the ninth abdominal vertebrae, completing osteological development.

INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
  1. Rearing of larvae and juveniles
  2. Sampling and skeletal staining
 RESULTS
  1. Cranial skeleton
  2. Caudal skeleton
  3. Pectoral girdle bones
  4. Vertebrae
  5. Fins and pterygiophores
 DISCUSSION
 REFERENCES

• Jong Youn Park(Aquaculture Management Division, Aquaculture Research Institute, NIFS, Busan 46083, Korea)
• Kyeong Ho Han(Chonnam National University, Department of Aqualife Science, Yeosu 59626, Korea)
• Jae Kwon Cho(Aquaculture Management Division, Aquaculture Research Institute, NIFS, Busan 46083, Korea)
• Jeong In Myeong(Aquaculture Management Division, Aquaculture Research Institute, NIFS, Busan 46083, Korea)
• Jae Min Park(Gyeongsangbuk-do Native Fish Business Center, Uiseong 37366, Korea) Corresponding Author