Abstract
The first description of the larvae and transformation stages of Diaphus hudsoni Zurbrigg & Scott, 1976, one of the most abundant myctophids in the Southeast Atlantic, is presented. Information on the larval distribution patterns and spawning habits of this species in the region has also been included. The larval specimens used in this study were caught during a series of surveys carried out in the Benguela Current system, between the Cunene river (17°30′S) and the Cape of Good Hope (35°S), from 1979 to 1984. Identification to species level was achieved by tracing characters backwards from the large, identifiable specimens. The description of larval development encompasses the morphological and morphometric characteristics and pigmentation, including the sequence of photophore formation. Possible allometric relationships between various parts of the body and standard length during development are also considered. Comparative descriptions of D. hudsoni and Lampanyctodes hectoris (Gunther, 1876) larvae, are also provided, since the latter species is highly abundant in the Benguela Current system and its larvae are very similar to those of D. hudsoni. Spawning is apparently carried out over most of the year, but not in autumn, and takes place chiefly in waters where the bottom depth is greater than 400 m.
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