leptocephalus
The leptocephalus is the transparent, leaf-shaped larval stage of certain marine ray-finned fish, most notably eels and tarpons. These larvae are characterized by their flattened, ribbon-like bodies and their small heads. Unlike the larvae of many other fish, leptocephali possess a gelatinous, transparent body devoid of the typical segmented musculature seen in adults. Their digestive system is also underdeveloped, suggesting they absorb nutrients directly from the water.
Leptocephali are found in the open ocean and are pelagic, meaning they drift with ocean currents. Their
The transformation from leptocephalus to a juvenile fish is a dramatic metamorphosis. The body becomes more