Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Saccopharyngiformes

Saccopharyngiforms
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Saccopharyngiformes
Families
Cyematidae
Saccopharyngidae
Eupharyngidae
Monognathidae

Saccopharyngiformes is an order (biology) of unusual ray-finned fish superficially similar to eels, but with many internal differences. Most of the fish in this order are deep-sea types known from only a handful of specimens.

Saccopharyngiforms lack several bones, such as the symplectic bone, the bones of the opercle, and ribs. They also have no scaless, pelvic fins, or swim bladder. The jaws are quite large, and several types are notable for being able to consume fish larger than themselves.

External link