Muraenesocidae

Muraenesocidae
Muraenesox cinereus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Suborder: Congroidei
Family: Muraenesocidae
Bleeker, 1864
Genera

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The Muraenesocidae, or pike congers, are a small family of marine eels found worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas.[1] Some species are known to enter brackish water.

Pike congers have cylindrical bodies, scaleless skin, narrow heads with large eyes, and strong teeth. Their dorsal fins start above the well-developed pectoral fins. These rather aggressive fish range from 60 to 250 cm (2.0 to 8.2 ft) in length.

Genera

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About 15 known species are recognized in 6 genera:[2]

References

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  1. ^ McCosker, John F. (1998). Paxton, J.R.; Eschmeyer, W.N. (eds.). Encyclopedia of Fishes. San Diego: Academic Press. p. 89. ISBN 0-12-547665-5.
  2. ^ Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Genera in the family Muraenesocidae". Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  • A Dictionary of Zoology 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999.