Distribution and early life history of Kaupichthys leptocephali (family Chlopsidae) in the central Indonesian Seas

摘要: Leptocephali of the widely distributed tropical marine eels genus Kaupichthys (family Chlopsidae) were collected around Sulawesi Island during a sampling survey in Indonesian Seas late September and early October 2002, otolith microstructure 24 59 specimens captured was examined to learn about larval growth rates spawning times these small sized eels. ranging size from 25 60 mm Makassar Strait Celebes Sea, but they most abundant semi-enclosed Tomini Bay northeast Island. The leptocephali had 39–161 increments. Their back-calculated hatching dates indicated that five age groups present each group appeared have been spawned full moon previous months. Average rate estimates first two 0.65 0.54 mm/day for 27.4–30.4 37.6–45.6 mm classes. oldest three (52.0–60.8 mm) slowed down after reached their approximate maximum size. An increase increment widths at outer margin otoliths those larger than 53 mm suggested process metamorphosis begun even though there few external morphological changes indicating metamorphosis. It is hypothesized chlopsid an unusually short gut may not need move forward presence four classes suggests Togian Islands region be productive habitats juveniles adults.