ABSTRACT
Three genera and four species comprise the Evermannellidae (Table Alepisauroidei 3). Evermannellids are readily distinguished from other alepisauroid families by the tripartite division of tail musculature where the epaxial and hypaxial muscles are separated by a band of muscle along the body midline (R.K.Johnson 1984c). Evermannellid larvae have three peritoneal patches, except Odontostomops normalops, which has 13-15 patches. Unlike other alepisauroids, the peritoneal patches are unpaired and broadly connected over the dorsal surface of the stomach in evermannellids. Pigmentation is generally acquired in two phases, a larval and a juvenile phase. In larvae <12-15 mm SL, trunk pigment is commonly arranged in groups aligned along the myosepta in a chevron-like pattern. During transformation (from ca.12-15 mm SL), however, punctuate melanophores gradually replace this chevron-like pattern. Juvenile pigmentation is similar to that of the adult pattern. Development in evermannellids is direct, transformation is gradual, and adult characters are generally acquired one at a time (R.K.Johnson 1984). Thompson (2003h) provides information on adults. EVERMANNELLIDAE Coccorella atlantica Parr 1928
MERISTICS Vertebrae
LIFE HISTORY
Range: throughout area to northern South America. Habitat: mesopelagic; 100-500+ m. ELH pattern: oviparous; hermaphroditic; planktonic larvae. Spawning: Unknown.
