Development of the neotropical catfish Rhamdia quelen (Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) incubated in different temperature regimes.

The developmental stages for the embryonic and larval periods of the silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) kept at different temperatures (21, 24, 27 and 30 degrees C) are described. Fish were analysed under light and scanning electron microscopy. For embryonic development, we described 25 stages, which were grouped into seven periods named zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation, pharyngula and hatching periods.