ABSTRACT
The Scopelarchidae consists of four genera and six species in the western central North Atlantic (Table Alepisauroidei 3). Scopelarchid larvae range from very thin and elongate to short and deep-bodied and are identified by having 0 to 3 peritoneal sections depending on species, tubular eyes usually directed upward, and characteristic pigmentation patterns (Johnson 1984b). In scopelarchid larvae, the eye is elliptical, the head often large, the anterior body profile “arched”, and the abdominal cavity triangular. Teeth develop early. Position of pelvic fin buds along the abdominal body wall (above, at, or below the level of the intestine) and place-ment either distinctly anterior to, beneath, or behind the dorsal fin origin helps separate genera. The presence/absence and location of accessory pigments is uniquely diagnostic in larvae (Johnson 1974; 1984b). Some species also have dermal pigment “stripes” on the trunk during transformation, which can be completely formed as early as 30 mm SL or not until >80 mm SL depending on taxa. Most scopelarchids can be uniquely distinguished from all other alepisauroids simply by meristic characters (Johnson 1974). Thompson (2003d) provides information on adults from the area. SCOPELARCHIDAE Benthalbella infans Zugmayer 1911
MERISTICS Vertebrae
LIFE HISTORY
Range: Caribbean but not Gulf of Mexico. Habitat: Mesopelagic; larvae 300-600 m, adults >500 m; circumtropical. ELH pattern: Oviparous; hermaphroditic; planktonic larvae. Spawmng:Unknown.
