Table 1.
Defining Phenotypic Boundaries
| Pigment pattern | Tail fin | Anal fin | Dorsal fin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phenotype 1 | Single spotted line of melanophores (black pigment) along the lateral line. | No fin rays. Tail fin is rounded in shape and composed of the fin fold only. | No fin rays. Anal fin fold is clearly visible. | No fin rays. Dorsal fin fold is clearly visible. |
| Phenotype 2 | Dispersal of melanophores above the lateral line. Condensation of melanophores over the swim bladder and cranial region. | Tail fin rays emerge. Tail fin initially rounded, then develops two slightly pointy tips. | Anal fin rays emerge. Fin has rounded form. | Dorsal fin rays emerge. Fin has rounded form. |
| Phenotype 3 | Two distinct melanophore stripes on either side of the lateral line, extending to the tail. | Tail fin rays have a single tip elongated toward the fin margin and that widens at distal end (no fork). | Anal fin rays have a single tip elongated toward the fin margin and that widens at distal end (no fork). | Dorsal fin rays have a single tip elongated towards the fin margin and that widens at distal end (no fork). |
| Phenotype 4 | Three distinct stripes of melanophores running laterally along the fish length. The pigment density in stripe 1 and 2 has increased. | Tail fin rays have begun to fork and extend to the fin margin. Sixteen to 17 tail fin rays are clearly visible. | Anal fin rays have reached the margin of the fin and begun to fork. Twelve anal rays are clearly visible. | Dorsal fin rays have reached the margin of the fin and begun to fork. Five to seven dorsal rays are clearly visible. |
| Phenotype 5 | Four distinct stripes of melanophores with the fourth emerging dorsally. Stripes 1–3 have dense melanophore distribution. | Tail fin rays begin to fork a second time. Eighteen to 24 tail fin rays. | Anal fin rays begin to fork a second time. Twelve to 14 anal fin rays. | Dorsal fin rays begin to fork a second time. Eight to 10 dorsal fin rays. |
The fundamental defining feature of each phenotype is identified. In each case, the hallmark defining the transition to the next phenotype is indicated. It should be noted that while the pigment pattern changes progressively, the fin phenotypes are defined by clear morphological events.