Preliminary Guide to the Identification of the Early Life History Stages of Zeiform Fishes of the Western Central North Atlantic

摘要

The Zeiformes are a group of small to medium size (usually 20 to 60-cm SL), generally deep-bodied and highly compressed benthopelagic fishes with stout dorsal spines, small pectoral fins, and a slender caudal peduncle. Eyes are located near the dorsal profile and spiny scutes or large bony plates are found along the bases of the dorsal and anal fins, and on the breast and belly. Most species are rare in the western central North Atlantic (WCNA) and reside in mid- to deep oceanic waters over the outer continental shelf or slope.