- Classification
- ACTINOPTERYGII
- SYNBRANCHIFORMES
- SYNBRANCHIDAE
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Fish Classification
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Class
ACTINOPTERYGII Ray-finned fishes -
Order
SYNBRANCHIFORMES Swamp eels -
Family
SYNBRANCHIDAE Swamp eels
Family SYNBRANCHIDAE
Common name: Swamp eels
Cite this page as:
Swamp eels, SYNBRANCHIDAE in Fishes of Australia, accessed 20 Apr 2024, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/Home/family/157
More Info
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Family Taxonomy |
The family Synbranchidae was reviewed by Rosen & Greenwood (1976) who recognised seven genera and 15 species. Four species are known from Australian waters. Synbranchid eels are rare in Australian waters and further studies may yield additional species. |
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Family Distribution |
Swamp eels are known from tropical fresh waters and estuaries of Asia, the Americas, West Africa and the western tropical Pacific. Blind cave-dwelling forms are known from Australia, Africa and Mexico. |
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Family Size |
Although most species are small, some reach 1 m. |
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Family Remarks |
Although all species are capable of breathing air, only one species has lunglike air sacs. |
References
Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & Allen, M. (2002). Field guide to the freshwater fishes of Australia. Perth : Western Australian Museum 394 pp.
Rosen, D.E. & Greenwood, P.H. (1976). A fourth neotropical species of synbranchid eel and the phylogeny and systematics of synbranchiform fishes. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 157(1): 5–69 figs 1–67.