Muraenesocidae
by M.-L. Bauchot and L. Saldanha
Very elongate fishes, snake-like body, scaleless. Snout often markedly elongate; anterior nostril tubular; posterior nostril a simple opening in front of eye; mouth large, the rictus behind the posterior edge of eye; no fleshy lips. Teeth prominent, even raptorial, especially those on vomer. Vertical fins and pectoral fins well developed; dorsal fin origin before or over pectoral base; pelvic fins absent.
Benthic on the continental shelf. Carnivorous. Transparent larval stage (leptocephalus) with metamorphosis.
Genera 9; in Clofnam area 2.
Recent revisions: Blache (1968 on a regional basis only), Castle and Williamson (1975—Muraenesox group only).
Note. Some authors include Muraenesocidae in the family Congridae.