Ichthyoplankton of the central north atlantic ocean: Larval development of lanternfish specie(pisces: Myctophidae)

Abstract

we present data on the morphology of the larval stages of lanternfish species (Myctophidae) in the central North Atlantic Ocean. This Work is based on materials collected during 2 cruises in the North Atlantic Ocean from the equator to latitude 30°N in 2016 and 2018. Several larvae obtained in other geographical areas Were used for identification. In total, at least 33 species of the Myctophidae Were found in the study area. We provide descriptions of those species Whose early development Was not previously known and of those species Whose morphology differs from those already described in literature: roundnose lanternfish (Centrobranchus nigroocellatus), stubby lanternfish (Bolinichthys supralateralis), Diaphus sp. 1, Nannobrachium sp. 1, noble lanternfish (Lampanyctus vadulus), and Lampanyctus sp. 1. The characteristics on Which these determinations are based are discussed.