Ariosoma-type Leptocephali (Congridae: Bathymyrinae) in the Mentawai Islands Region off Western Sumatra, Indonesia

摘要: Background: Ariosoma-type leptocephali of the congrid subfamily Bathymyrinae are typically present in tropical and subtropical regions where they reach large sizes often abundant compared to other taxa. Different morphological species types these larvae have been documented Indo-Pacific region, but few matched with their adult species, life histories not known. Results: A sampling survey for off western Sumatra, Indonesia, collected 297 at least 12 different both exterillium gut non-exterillium that could be distinguished using characteristics. These were 23 24 stations over deep water caught two shelf between Sumatra Java. They most 15- 50-mm size range, six also > 140 mm, some which undergoing metamorphosis 143 324 mm. Larvae Ariosoma scheelei abundant, small ≤ 25 mm near Mentawai Islands larger offshore. The larval types, sp. 1 7 showed a tendency being more offshore, suggests spawning locations possibly linked differing habitats or behaviors. Conclusions: presence moderately adults this indicates there is high biodiversity benthic eels on slope region eastern Indian Ocean.