Preliminary Guide to the Identification of the Early Life History Stages of211 Ogcocephalid Fishes of the Western Central Atlantic

摘要

The Ogcocephalidae (batfishes) are worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas and211u001ecomprise 14 sepecies in our study area. They are found in shallow to slope water 211u001e(0-1830 m) and the adults are very unusual with a depressed body, enormous head, 211u001epectoral fin on a long pedicel (caused by the elongation of the pectoral girdle), 211u001eprojecting rostrum with an esca, and a small, protrusible mouth. The body is 211u001ecovered with tubercles giving it a most grotesque appearance as they crawl on the 211u001ebottom wusing their pectoral fins.