Additional description of larvae of Neoepinnula orientalis (Gilchrist and Von Bonde) (Pisces: Gempylidae) [pigmentation]

Information is given on the postlarvae of N. orientalis based on 8 specimens, 2.9 - 7.9 mm standard length, collected from the Caribbean Sea, the north-west coast of Australia and near Okinawa (Japan). The postlarvae are easily distinguished from other larval forms of the family Gempylidae by the heavily pigmented spinous dorsal fin, a black pigment spot present on the front part of the anus, and the black pigment dots scattered on the pelvic fin membrane, while fine serrated dorsal and pelvic spines, and well-developed preopercular spination are shared by all larval gempylids. Larvae of N. orientalis from Okinawa represent the first larval record of this fish from the western North Pacific Ocean.