| Elongate compressed body; photophores and sequence of development (about 6-10 mm SL): lower OP, BR, posterior IV, anterior IV, posterior AC, anterior AC, OA, ORB, and VAV; SAB, PAN< AN, and SC photophores not in continuous row; postabdominal spines: in larvae >10-12 mm SL, anterior spine becomes thinner and elongated and bends under posterior spine; posterior spine gradually reduces and becomes spur-shaped; number of dorsal fin rays (eight); other sternoptychids usually have nine; eye shape more cylindrical than other Argyropelecus species.
Pigmentation: unpigmented at hatching (except eyes) and through transformation; after transformation, pigment appears on head in patches and on caudal peduncle.
Sequence of fin development: caudal and pectorals, dorsal and anal, pelvics. |
