Table 12. Body Proportions for Myctophum selenoides from the Pacific Ocean and 

 for m. selenops from the atlantic and indian oceans 



The study material of M. selenops includes the specimen reported on by Maul (1952, p. 52, 

 fig. 15); two discrepancies may be noted between this and Maul's report. The specimen (No. 

 3108, Museu Municipal do Funchal), taken from the stomach of an Alepisaurus ferox Lowe 

 captured near Madeira, although in fair condition, has lost all scales and the last few lateral 

 line pores on the left side. Maul recorded counts of 33 lateral line scales and 5 supracaudal 

 luminous scales; because of damage to the caudal base and midbody, an accurate count cannot 

 be made of either character on the left side. However, 37 lateral line pores are evident on the 

 nearly intact right side. Also, as there is a fragment of whitish tissue in the area normally 

 occupied by this scale, plus an indentation in the fiesh having the characteristic shape of such 

 a scale, the total number of supracaudal scales may be considered as 6 rather than 5. Also, for 

 this specimen Maul stated "SAO 3, upper well separated from lateral line; Pol 1, well removed 

 from lateral line." However, both the upper SAO and Pol nearly touch the lower border of the 

 lateral line pore structure, a condition very like that shown for M. selenops (Fig. 63). 



A discrepancy also exists between the two sets of data in regard to head length. Maul 

 recorded the head as "5 1/3 in total length without caudal" for his specimen (No. 3108). This 

 proportion must be regarded as in error, for the head is relatively undamaged on either side 

 and its length is contained about 3.2 times in standard length (total length without caudal); 

 this proportion is in agreement with those I have found for other specimens of M. selenops. All 

 other proportions and counts are in agreement with those recorded by Maul. 



The Dn organ of M. selenops has not previously been reported. Taning (1928) mentioned 

 no preorbital organs (species not figured). Fraser-Brunner (1949), in the first illustration of the 

 species, may have attempted to illustrate the Vn and Dn, but the resulting print shows only 

 faint indications, albeit in the proper locations; no mention of the organs was made. Maul 

 (1952), offering the second published figure of M. selenops (of the specimen discussed above. 

 No. 3108) figured neither the Dn nor Vn, although both are present, but stated "preorbital 1." 



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