792 
Family OPHICHTHYIDAE 
Tongue more or less firmly joined in mouth. Front nostril near 
snout tip, usually in small tube. Hind nostril in upper lip, opens 
downward. Gill opening not confluent. Eggs numerous, moderate, like 
those of ordinary fishes. Body scaleless. Vertical fins and sometimes 
pectorals absent. End of tall always projecting beyond dorsal and anal 
fins, without rudiment of caudal. Color frequently varied. 
Numerous small or moderate sized eels, very abundant about coral 
reefs in tropical seas. 
