Study of the development of the caudal endoskeleton of the turbot Scophthalmus maximus L., 1758 (Pleuronectiformes : Scophthalmidae).

The development of the caudal endoskeleton of the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) is described and compared to the setting-up of the caudal endoskeleton in other flatfishes. In the turbot, caudal bony elements develop very early, before the eye migration. The same pattern occurs in the flatfishes of the bothoid group, while in the Soleidae the supporting caudal fin elements develop once the eye has migrated. This discrepancy is discussed; it points out that more work on the ontogeny of flatfishes is needed.