Diagnostic characters: (on genus): no photophores in larvae; distinguished from other myctophids with round eyes by: slender body, lower jaw projects beyond upper jaw; embedded melanophores above spinal column; opposing dorsal and ventral melanophores on caudal peduncle.
Pigment: (on genus): above brain, otic region; one to several opposing melanophores at postanal dorsal and ventral midline; late postflexion larvae may develop melanophores along each side of dorsal midline; base of caudal rays; series of embedded melanophores above spinal column.
Sequence of fin development: caudal, pectorals, anal, dorsal, pelvics. |