OnSchedophilus Medusophagus(Pisces: Stromateoidei)

Abstract

Stromateoid fishes form a small group among the Perciformes, characterized by remarkable toothed saccular outgrowths in the gullet just behind the last gill arch (Haedrich, 1967). Most are associated with medusae when young but are poorly known as adults. In addition to the diagnostic oesophageal teeth, a striking feature of many stromateoids is the curious subdermal canal system, whose function is unknown and whose structure has not been described in detail. The present note describes observations upon the biology ofSchedophilus medusophagusCocco, and upon the structure of its integument.