Morphology Data of Macropinna microstoma
Identification keys
Abnormalities
Main Ref. Robison, B.H. and K.R. Reisenbichler, 2008
Appearance refers to
Bones in OsteoBase

Sex attributes

Specialized organs
Different appearance
Different colors
Remarks

Descriptive characteristics of juvenile and adult

Striking features
Body shape lateral
Cross section
Dorsal head profile
Type of eyes
Type of mouth/snout
Position of mouth
Type of scales
Diagnosis

This species' most striking feature is the transparent, cowl-like shield that covers the top of the head, and its prominent tubular eyes within. The shield is a tough, flexible integument that attaches to the dorsal and medial scales behind the head, and to the broad, transparent subocular bones that protect the eyes laterally. The fluid-field chamber found beneath the shield surrounds and protects the eyes with vivid green lenses. The tubular eyes of this fish can look forward as well as upward (with maximum arc of rotation observed about 75 degrees). The morphology of the eyes apparently allow at least two feeding modes: (1) with body horizontal and with eyes directed upward, it can spot food against lighted waters above, it pivots its body to bring the mouth up for ingestion while eyes are locked on target, rotating from dorsal to rostral relative to the body; and (2) with body horizontal, eyes rotate dorsal to rostral while tracking the path of descending food until it reaches the level of the mouth (Ref. 87379). Adipose at the base of the caudal peduncle (Ref. 6885). Adults dark brown (Ref. 6885).

Ease of Identification

Meristic characteristics of Macropinna microstoma

Lateral Lines Interrupted: No
Scales on lateral line
Pored lateral line scales
Scales in lateral series
Scale rows above lateral line
Scale rows below lateral line
Scales around caudal peduncle
Barbels
Gill clefts (sharks/rays only)
Gill rakers
on lower limb
on upper limb
total
Vertebrae
preanal
total

Fins

Dorsal fin(s)

Attributes no striking attributes
Fins number 1
Finlets No. Dorsal   0 - 0
Ventral  0 - 0
Spines total 0 - 0
Soft-rays total 11 - 11
Adipose fin present

Caudal fin

Attributes forked; more or less normal

Anal fin(s)

Fins number 1
Spines total 0 - 0
Soft-rays total 14 - 14

Paired fins

Pectoral Attributes  very large , lobe-like
Spines     0
Soft-rays   17 - 18
Pelvics Attributes  rays very elongated
Position    abdominal  before origin of D1
Spines     0
Soft-rays   10 - 10
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