Movie: Ophichthid leptocephalus off Kona, Hawaii

An ophichthid (snake eels and worm eels) leptocephalus filmed at a depth of 14 m, approximately 5 km off Kona, Hawaii.

Rights:
© Matthew D'Avella
Cinematographer:
Matthew D'Avella

Transcript

This video is the first evidence of expanded and light reflective chromatophores on the gut and inside the tail of a leptocephalus larva.

Reference:
Miller, M. J., D'Avella, M. J. & K. Tsukamoto. 2010. Enlarged chromatophores in an actively swimming ophichthid leptocephalus observed over deep-water off Kona, Hawaii. Zoological Studies. 49(3): 324.

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Tags fishes, ichthyology, Ophichthid leptocephalus, D'Avella, Miller, chromatophore, movie, green, Ophichthidae,