First record of a leptocephalus Nettenchelys gephyra (Nettastomatidae) in Korean waters

Abstract

The morphology of a leptocephalus Nettenchelys gephyra (Nettastomatidae) is described from one specimen collected off Pohang (35°46′N, 129°52′E) in the East Sea, Korea on December 2003. The body is laterally compressed. The body deepens gradually behind the head to the deepest point of the midbody range that is 15.8% of the standard length 31.7 mm, then tapers gradually toward the tail. The anus is located somewhat posteriorly to midbody. There are two intestinal swellings, which are located at the 19th and 41st myomere, respectively. The vertical blood vessel's last location is at the 48th myomere. The lateral pigment spot begins at the 84th myomere.