Ophichthid leptocephalus off Kona, Hawaii

An ophichthid (snake eels and worm eels) leptocephalus filmed at a depth of 14 m, approximately 5 km off Kona, Hawaii.

^{Rights:© Matthew D'Avella}

^{Cinematographer:Matthew D'Avella}

This video is the first evidence of expanded and light reflective chromatophores on the gut and inside the tail of a leptocephalus larva.

Reference:
Miller, M. J., D'Avella, M. J. & K. Tsukamoto. 2010. Enlarged chromatophores in an actively swimming ophichthid leptocephalus observed over deep-water off Kona, Hawaii. Zoological Studies. 49(3): 324.