Duckbill eel from 2017 NOAA Okeanos expedition at a depth of 2,600m (8530ft)

Nettastomatidae, the duckbill eels or witch eels are a family of eels. The name is from νῆττα (Greek: duck) and στόμα (Greek: mouth).

Duckbill eels are found along the continental slopes of tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. They are bottom-dwelling fish, feeding on invertebrates and smaller fish.[1] They are slender eels, up to 125 centimetres (4.10 ft) in length, with narrow heads and large, toothy, mouths. Most species lack pectoral fins.

Species

About 40 species are placed in seven genera:

References

  1. ^ McCosker, John F. (1998). Paxton, J.R.; Eschmeyer, W.N. (eds.). Encyclopedia of Fishes. San Diego: Academic Press. p. 90. ISBN 0-12-547665-5.

External links