noun
- The transparent, ribbon-shaped larval stage of eels and certain other fish, characterized by a small head and elongated, flattened body.
Usage: biology; ichthyology; plural: leptocephali or leptocephaluses
Examples
- The leptocephalus drifts in ocean currents before metamorphosing into an adult eel.
- Marine biologists study leptocephali to understand eel migration patterns.
- A leptocephalus is nearly transparent, making it difficult to spot in seawater.
- The larval leptocephalus eventually transforms into an elver as it approaches freshwater.
- Leptocephali of different fish species vary in size and body proportions.