Muraenesocidae
Muraenesocidae | |
---|---|
Muraenesox cinereus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Anguilliformes |
Suborder: | Congroidei |
Family: |
Muraenesocidae Bleeker, 1864 |
Genera | |
see text |
The Muraenesocidae, or pike congers, are a small family of marine eels found worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas. 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
About 15 known species are recognized in 6 genera:
- Genus Congresox
- Genus Cynoponticus
- Genus Gavialiceps
- Genus Muraenesox
- Genus Oxyconger
- Genus Sauromuraenesox