ABSTRACT
The Paralepididae contain two subfamilies (Paralepidiinae and Sudinae), which include at least 12 genera and 22 species in the study area (Table Alepisauroidei 4). Larvae of the Sudinae are unusual and readily discriminated from the Paralepidiinae by the relatively short body and large head; long pectoral fins; early development of peritoneal patches; and the spine-tipped ridges along the ventral margin of the preopercle, snout and above the eye. Early larvae of the Paralepidiinae are generally slender and elongate with a short trunk, high myomere count and little body pigment. Post (1987) suggested elevating the Sudinae to family status and thus elevating the tribes Paralepidini and Lestidini to subfamily status. The snout elongates as larvae develop and peritoneal patches are added sequentially as the gut lengthens. The number of peritoneal patches is important in identifying early life stages (Okiyama 1984). Paralepidid larvae have a well developed preanal finfold, the anterior-most anal rays are often precocious, and the body generally transitions from lightly to heavily pigmented. Most species undergo transformation at sizes >25 mm SL. Thompson (2003f) provides information on adults. PARALEPIDIDAE Anotopterus pharao Zugmayer 1911
MERISTICS Vertebrae
LIFE HISTORY
Range: U.S. Atlantic coast from Georgia northward. Habitat: Meso-to bathypelagic. ELH pattern: Oviparous; presumably hermaphroditic; planktonic larvae. Spawning: Unknown.
