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

Nettastomatidae
Venefica tentaculata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Suborder: Congroidei
Family: Nettastomatidae
Genera

Facciolella
Hoplunnis
Leptocephalus
Nettastoma
Nettenchelys
Saurenchelys
Venefica

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

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

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About 40 species are placed in seven genera:

References

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  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.
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