What happens to the prominent chin barbel on Merlangius merlangus as it reaches maturity?
Answer
It disappears entirely
The presence or absence of the chin barbel serves as a developmental indicator for *Merlangius merlangus*. While juvenile whiting possess a noticeable and prominent chin barbel, this structure undergoes regression and ultimately vanishes once the fish achieves full adult maturity. This contrasts with some related species or other life stages where such appendages might persist. The disappearance of this external feature is therefore a reliable sign that the individual specimen has passed beyond its juvenile phase and grown into an adult.
Related Questions
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