Swallowers and
gulpers |
![Pelican eel, Eurypharynx pelecanoides. From plate 49 of Oceanic Ichthyology by G. Brown Goode and Tarleton H. Bean, published 1896.](./modules/Fish-MM/images/250px-Eurypharynx_pelecanoides.jpg)
Pelican eel, Eurypharynx pelecanoides.
From plate 49 of Oceanic Ichthyology by
G. Brown Goode and Tarleton H. Bean, published
1896.
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Scientific classification |
|
Families |
Cyematidae
Eurypharyngidae
Monognathidae
Saccopharyngidae |
Saccopharyngiformes is an
order 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 scales, pelvic fins, or swim bladder. The jaws are quite large, and several
types are notable for being able to consume fish larger than
themselves. Their myomeres (muscle segments) are V-shaped
instead of W-shaped like in all other fish, and their
lateral line has no pores, instead it is modified to groups
of elevated tubules.
Classification
There are four families in the order:
- Cyematidae (bobtail snipe eels)
Eurypharyngidae (pelican eel)
Monognathidae
Saccopharyngidae (swallowers, gulpers or gulper eels)
Diet
The gulper eel eats fish, copepods, shrimp, and
plankton. It uses its mouth like a net by opening its
large mouth and swimming at its prey.
External links