: Many species lack scales entirely; if present, they are deeply embedded in the skin. Diversity and Habitat
: True eels are distinguished by the fusion of rostral bones into a single complex and the lack of a pelvic girdle.
: 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 anguilliformes
The oldest fossil record of a living true eel lineage ... - bioRxiv
While many other fish—such as electric eels and swamp eels—have evolved similar elongated shapes, they belong to different taxonomic orders and are not "true" eels. : Many species lack scales entirely; if present,
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.
: 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. Major Groups : Well-known families include: Muraenidae :
True eels are found globally in a vast range of aquatic environments: