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Larvae Information Summary for  Danaphos oculatus
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Main Ref: Watson, W. 1996
Yolk-sac larvae
  max min mod Ref.
Length at birth (mm)        
Preanal L. % TL        
Place of development planktonic
Larval area California Current region
Yolk-sac       Ref:  
Yolk   Oil globules  
Rows on tail  
Other melanophores on tail  
Post larvae
Striking feature light organs
Striking shape lateral normal (not striking) dorsal  
Striking feature light organs
Shape of gut elongated
Gas bladder   early   late pigmented
Spinal armature   early   late  
Pigmentation early
Rows on tail no rows
Other melanophores on tail no other melanophores
Melanophores on head + trunk no melanophores on head or trunk
Pigmentation late
Rows on tail no rows
Other melanophores on tail no other melanophores
Melanophores on head + trunk no melanophores on head or trunk
Urostyle region   early unpigmented late unpigmented
Peritoneum with row of melanophores
Pectorals normal without melanophores
Pelvics fin rays only without melanophores
Larvae elongate; photophores begin formation at about 16.5 mm SL; photophores in clusters with common bases; metamorphosis gradual with the initial formation of photophores in the BR and PV groups; distinguished from Argyropelecus and Sternoptyx species by long anal fin (24-25 fin rays) and short dorsal fin (6 fin rays); eyes less narrow than in Aryropelecus; transformation beginning at large size (> or = 16.5 mm); long anal fin base, short dorsal fin base; only first 3 AN photophores with common base. Pigmentation: Preflexion-postflexion: none until end of postflexion stage when pigment forms over gas bladder. Transformation: only on gas bladder initially; posteriorly on midbrain and around stomach by about 21.5 mm; increases to cover most of gut region and head by about 23.5 mm; dorsolateral series of about 1/myomere forms on first 7-8 myomeres by about 23.5 mm, extends along lateral midline to caudal peduncle in juvenile stages; concentrated on preanal body in area below eye and over gut; smaller larvae generally unpigmented except over peritoneum. Sequence of fin development: caudal, anal, pectorals, pelvics, dorsal.
Meristic characters
  max min mod Ref.
Total number of myomeres 39 37   35838
Preanal number of myomeres 15 11   35838
  L 1st feeding Ref. Months of presence of larvae
max     Jan Feb Mar Apr
min   May Jun Jul Aug
mod     Sep Oct Nov Dec
Water parameters     Metric characters
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