Chlorophthalmidae

Chlorophthalmidae View in CoL View at ENA ( Aulopiformes ) ( Fig. 17 View Figure 17 )

In Chlorophthalmus nigromarginatus there are two CMCs ( Fig. 17 View Figure 17 ). In all studied specimens these cartilages did not stain very well, i.e. even in specimens where other cartilages in the area of the caudal fin like those at the base of procurrent rays stained well, the CMCs are only poorly dyed. The upper CMC is formed like a cap at the distal lower edge of hypural 3 ( Fig. 17A–C View Figure 17 ), is clearly wider than the hypural plate and appears crown-like when seen in posterior view with one central posterior and two lateral spikes ( Fig. 17D View Figure 17 ). The lower CMC is roundish, placed on the upper distal edge of hypural 2 and contacts the upper CMC. In posterior view it is narrower than the upper CMC, but has about the same width as the hypurals ( Fig. 17D View Figure 17 ). Ventrally, there is an articulatory facet, where it is in contact with hypural 2. The lowest ray of the upper caudal lobe articulates on the upper CMC; the uppermost ray of the lower lobe articulates in the contact area of the lower CMC and hypural 2.