Anguilliformes (2026)

: Most species have a snakelike appearance with a complete absence of pelvic fins . Their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are often continuous, forming a single fringe around the tail.

The most distinct feature of the Anguilliformes is their . After hatching as transparent leptocephali , they drift on ocean currents for months or years. They then transform into juvenile "glass eels" before reaching their adult form. anguilliformes

: The family Anguillidae includes catadromous species that live in freshwater but migrate to the ocean to spawn. Major Groups : Well-known families include: Muraenidae : Moray eels. Congridae : Conger and garden eels. Anguillidae : Freshwater eels. Ophichthidae : Snake and worm eels. Life Cycle : Most species have a snakelike appearance with

The oldest fossil record of a living true eel lineage ... - bioRxiv After hatching as transparent leptocephali , they drift

: The majority are marine, inhabiting everything from shallow coral reefs (like moray eels ) to the abyssal zone (like gulper eels ).

: Many species lack scales entirely; if present, they are deeply embedded in the skin. Diversity and Habitat