Leptocephalus brevirostris, commonly known as a type of eel larva, inhabits open ocean environments. It is characterized by its transparent, leaf-like body, which aids in avoiding predators. This species plays a crucial role in the marine food web, serving as prey for larger fish.

Leptocephalus brevirostris is a species of eel larvae, commonly referred to as leptocephalus, and is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic Ocean. Their distribution is generally associated with the spawning grounds of their adult eel counterparts.

Leptocephalus brevirostris larvae inhabit the open ocean, typically in the upper layers of the water column, known as the epipelagic zone, which extends from the surface to about 200 meters deep. The environmental conditions in this zone include warm oceanic waters with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, moderate salinity levels, and abundant plankton, which serve as their primary food source.

As part of their ecological niche, these larvae play a role in the oceanic food web, feeding on plankton and organic matter. They are adapted to a pelagic lifestyle, drifting with ocean currents which facilitate their widespread dispersal across their native region. The transparency and slender, leaf-like shape of leptocephalus larvae help them avoid predation, making them well-suited to the open ocean environment.