Neuromast Topography in Ambystoma Larvae

Intra- and interspecific variation in cephalic stitch number, neuromasts per stitch, and neuromast density were examined in Ambystoma maculatum and Ambystoma tigrinum typical and cannibal morphs. Stitch number remains constant with growth; neuromasts per stitch increase; neuromast density decreases. Stitch number differs significantly between A. tigrinum (? = 284) and A. maculatum (? = 242). Same-sized larvae of both species have similar numbers of neuromasts per stitch and neuromast density. IT is well known that lateral line neuromast topography may be used to distinguish gen