Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The ontogeny of the dentition of the rainbow trout (<jats:italic>Salmo gairdneri</jats:italic>) has been studied by examining serial sections of 27 hatchlings ranging in age from the day of hatching to 34 days after. By the end of the first month after hatching, the dentition of the rainbow trout consists of about 12 teeth. Though the teeth develop in rapid succession, it was possible to determine their precise sequence of development. The study showed that the teeth develop in an alternate sequence, the teeth occupying the odd‐numbered tooth positions arising first; the first tooth to develop occupied the third tooth position. The order of eruption reflected the order of initial tooth development. Occasional variations in the sequence of development were encountered. The time between initiation of these first teeth and their appearance within the oral cavity is of the order of 12 days. The teeth remain erupted for about two weeks before they are exfoliated.</jats:p>