leptocephalus
Quick Summary
A leptocephalus is the larval stage of certain fish, including eels, tarpons, and ladyfish. These larvae are transparent, ribbonlike, and pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean. They are characterized by a small head and a long, thin body. After a period of development, the leptocephalus undergoes a significant metamorphosis, shrinking to about half its larval size before developing into a juvenile fish. This larval form is a key characteristic of the superorder Elopomorpha, which includes eels and their relatives.12
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migrationCatadromous fishThe pelagic eggs develop into leptocephaliātransparent, leaflike forms with relatively small headsāthat are carried by the Gulf Stream to the shallow waters of the continental shelves. When they are about two and one-half years old and about eight centimetres long (a little more than three inches), a metamorphosis occurs. Theā¦
Read MoreThe pelagic eggs develop into leptocephaliātransparent, leaflike forms with relatively small headsāthat are carried by the Gulf Stream to the shallow waters of the continental shelves. When they are about two and one-half years old and about eight centimetres long (a little more than three inches), a metamorphosis occurs. Theā¦
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marine ecosystemMigrations of marine organismsEel larvae, called leptocephalus larvae, drift back to Europe in the Gulf Stream.
Read MoreEel larvae, called leptocephalus larvae, drift back to Europe in the Gulf Stream.
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