Genus: Nettenchelys, Pikeconger Eel, Pikeconger Eels

NETTENCHELYS

PIKECONGER EELS

Elongate, cylindrical at front, compressed at rear; a long slender, pointed tail ~2/3 TL; moderate sized eye; front nostril tubular, near front of snout, directed forward and to side; rear nostril behind eye, on head or top of nape; a long narrow snout 32-37% head, with a fleshy, slightly projecting tip; jaws long and pointed, with top jaw overhanging; 8-10 pores in row above top jaw; teeth small, conical, in bands, roof of mouth with central patch of teeth sometimes larger; pectoral fins absent; gill opening a crescent, low on side; dorsal fin origin over or slightly behind gill opening; dorsal and anal fins confluent with tail fin; lateral line complete, on head and body.

Tropical and warm temperate areas of Atlantic and Indo-west Pacific; with 10 species; 3 in the Greater Caribbean.