Morphology and taxonomic significance of the otoliths of some bathypelagic Anguilloidei and Saccopharyngoidei from the Sargasso Sea

T. Hecht, S. Appelbaum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The sagittal otoliths of seven anguilliform species belonging to the families Nemichthyidae, Serrivomeridae and Eurypharyngidae are described and illustrated, and a key for their identification is provided. Although the leptocephali of the various fish species treated here have similar otoliths, some species develop specific otolith characteristics during the adult stage. The shape as well as the ratio of fish length to otolith length ratio in adults may serve as a taxonomic aid. Since the sagittae of these fishes can be used for specific identification, the digested remains of prey in the stomachs and guts of predators can be identified.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)301-308
Number of pages8
JournalHelgoland Marine Research
Volume35
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 1982
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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