| Ammocoetes: Max. size 230 mm TL, but perhaps can exceed 250 mm TL based on the maximum total length recorded for metamorphosing ammocoetes. Body wet weight of 174 individuals 34-212 mm TL, 0.07-15.17 g. Body proportions, as percentage of TL (based on 174 specimens measuring 34-212 mm TL): prebranchial length, 5.3-11.8; branchial length, 9.4-20.5; trunk length, 50.0-58.0; tail length, 17.6-30.8; cloacal slit length, > 0.0-1.6; prenostril length, 1.8-4.5. Trunk myomeres, 58-70. Body coloration (live and preserved for up to 3 yrs), with mottling. Extent of pigmentation (- = absence to trace; + = 1% to under 25%; ++ = 25% to under 75%; +++ = 75% or more): upper lip, - (61% of specimens), + (35%), or ++ (4%); between upper lip and cheek, + (1%), ++ (8%) or +++ (91%); cheek, + (5%), ++ (58%) or +++ (36%); subocular, - (91%), + (2%), ++ (3%) or +++ (4%); upper prebranchial, - (34%), + (24%), ++ (25%) or +++ (17%); lower prebranchial, - (53%), + (28%), ++ (14%) or +++ (5%); upper branchial, + (2%), ++ (79%) or +++ (18%); lower branchial, - (91%), + (6%), ++ (2%) or +++ (1%); ventral branchial, - (92%), + (5%) or ++ (2%); lower lip, - (69%), + (22%) or ++ (9%); caudal fin, - 2%), + (11%), ++ (40%) or +++ (46%); predorsal, - (17%), + (38%), ++ (21%) or +++ (25%); tongue precursor bulb, -; along elastic ridge of tongue precursor, -. Tongue precursor shape, bulbous. Caudal fin shape, spade-like (only 2 of 166 ammocoetes had a rounded caudal fin). Metamorphosing ammocoetes: 150-250 mm TL (Ref. 89241). The caudal fin is dark grey to black in ammocoetes older than 1.5 years (Ref. 59043). |