Order

Anguilliformes

  Class

Teleostei

  No. of Genera in Ref

52

  No. of Species in Ref

250

  Environment

Fresh : Yes | Brackish : Yes | Marine : Yes

  Aquarium

none

  First Fossil Record

lower   Tertiary   lower   Eocene

  Remark

Distribution: tropical to warm temperate waters. Habitat: shallow coastal waters to mid waters, reefs, rubble, sand and muddy substrates, usually < 400 m deep (although some Ophichthus were reported from 1,300 m depth (Ref. 127429). Some species entering rivers. Morphology: Posterior nostril usually lying within or piercing the upper lip, opening into mouth. Tongue attached. Branchiostegal rays 15-49 pairs, overlapping midventrally to form a 'jugostegalia', a basketlike structure. Poorly developed neural spines, when present. Hyomandibulae usually vertical, but may be inclined backward or forward. With or without pectoral fins. Vertebrae 110-270. Food/Diet: most species spend their time burried in sand and hunt small fishes and crustaceans by sense of smell.

  Etymology

Greek, ophis = serpent + Greek, ichthys = fish ( Ref. 45335).

  Division

Marine

  Reproductive guild

nonguarders

  Typical activity level

  Main Ref

Nelson, J.S. 1994

  Coordinator

Nelson, J.S. 1994