Larvae of Microstomatidae less slender than families Argentinidae and Bathylagidae. In Microstoma microstoma gut extends beyond midpoint of body, with S-shape fold at the anterior part. Final portion of gut trailing from body in early stages (Microstoma microstoma) (Schmidt, 1918).
Pattern of melanophores on ventral trunk is main pigmentation feature useful in identification of these families (Ahlstrom et al., 1984b). Microstoma microstoma shows embedded line of pigment above gut continuing forward to snout (Ahlstrom et al., 1984b).
Table Osmeriformes
22 geographic zones