Definition

A small, flat, transparent larva of eels and some other fish, known for its long, narrow head.

Example

The leptocephalus drifts in the ocean currents before it matures into an adult eel.

Conversation

Did you know that a leptocephalus is the larval stage of eels?

Really? I had no idea they started out like that.

Yeah, they're actually quite fascinating — so thin and transparent!

That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Leptocephalus → It is formed from "lepto-" (from Greek "leptos", meaning thin or slender) and "cephalus" (from Greek "kephalē", meaning head). The word describes a larval stage of certain fish that has a thin, elongated body and a distinct head shape.

Memory Tip

Think of 'thin' ('lepto-') and 'head' ('cephalus') to remember that a leptocephalus is a fish larva with a slender body and a distinct head.

Visually Confused Words