(Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1976-05)
McLellan, Tracy
Osteology and myology of the head of 21 species of
macrourids and two closely related species are described.
A general model of the mechanics of the macrourid head
during feeding has been developed based on the anatomical
findings. The structure of the head and integration of
morphological units are used to explain specializations in
the utilization of different food resources. Pelagic prey
are the source of food for the most primitive species and
for a few of the more specialized ones. A highly protrusible
mouth and long rostrum are adaptations for benthic feeding
and have appeared in three independent evolutionary lines
within the group. Macrourids that are predators on benthos
tend to be small and live at depths shallower than 2000 meters.
