family Muraenesocidae

Very elongate fishes snake-like body, scaleless. Snout often markedlyelongate; anterior nostril tubular, posterior nostril a simple opening in frontof eye; mouth large, the rictus behindthe posterior edge of eye; no fleshylips. Teeth prominent, even raptorial,especially thouse on vomer. Vertical andpectoral fins well developed; dorsal finorigin before or over pectoral base;pelvic fins absent.

Benthic on the continental shelf.Carnivorous. Transparent larval stage(leptocephalus) with metamorphosis.