B 



I mm 



I mm 



-HS 



I mm 



Figure 5.— Lateral views of various osteologicai deformities associated with the caudal vertebrae of Synaphobratwhus 

 affinis. Dashed lines in figures represent areas of incomplete ossification. NS = neural spine; NA = neural arch; NC = 

 neural canal; C = centrum; F = foramen; HA = hemal arch; HC = hemal canal; HS = hemal spine; TL = total length in 

 millimeters. (A) Fused centra with a bony knob projecting laterally; TL = 92. (B) Two sets of hemal spines which are fused 

 together forming an arch; TL = 102. (C) Hemal spines projecting anteriorad rather than posteriorad; TL = 9L (D) Extra 

 unfused set of hemal spines with one set projecting anteriorad and one set posteriorad; TL = 79. 



represent the size at which the elvers descend to 

 the bottom from the pelagic realm, where they 

 pass their larval existence, because closing and 

 mid-water nets were not used. 



Of the 40 cleared and stained specimens, 12 had 

 material in the gut cavity. Three contained crus- 

 tacean appendages whereas nine had discernable 

 fish remains such as disarticulated vertebrae. One 

 elver contained an intact gonostomatid which had 

 been swallowed head first. Gonostomatids are 



mesopelagic but the elver could have ingested it 

 while in the trawl. 



Acknowledgments 



This research was supported in part by NSF 

 Grant GA-37561, J. A. Musick principal investiga- 

 tor. The specimens were collected on cruise 73-1 of 

 the RV Eastward supported by NSF Grant 

 GA-27725. 



690 



I 



