The lateral-line organs of the larvae of the deep-sea fish Cataetyx memorabilis (Ophidiidae): A scanning-electron and light-microscope study

A prominent lateral-line system found in 10 mm long larvae of the deep-sea fish Cataetyx memorabilisMeyer-Rochow (1970) is not present in the adults. Size and height of larval lateral-line papillae measured in stereo pairs of electron micrographs are compared with light microscopy of sectioned material. Lateral-line papillae are separated from each other by 3 to 7 myomeres (0.5 to 1 mm). A papilla is 50 m wide and approximately 15 m high. The 7 or 8 sensory hairs, which are about 30 to 40 m long, are not embedded in a jellylike transparent substance. Behavioural and taxonomical consequences of the findings are discussed.