Abstract
This paper describes the larval development of Lepidogalaxias salamandroides and constitutes the first description of preflexion and flexion larvae for this species. Larvae were collected from ephemeral pools in southwestern Australia. Larvae hatch at about 5.5 mm and immediately assume a benthic position. They are elongate and have a functional mouth, well-developed and pigmented eyes, and a moderate yolksac, which appears to be partially enclosed by a thin layer of muscles and well-developed pelvic fins. Notochord flexion starts at about 7.5 mm and is complete by approximately 11.5 mm. The sequence of fin completion, P2, C + D, P1, A, and the fact that all fin rays are finely segmented and, with the exception of one or two anal rays, always unbranched are unique among the protacanthopterygians.