Anguilloidei
Quick Summary
The term "Anguilloidei" refers to a suborder of fish that are eel-like in form, a characteristic described as "anguilliform". True eels are slender, elongated, and typically lack scales, with fins that run continuously around their tails. They inhabit all seas and some species live in freshwater, returning to the sea to spawn.12
It's important to note that not all eel-like fish are true eels. For example, "spiny eels" are elongated and resemble true eels but are not related to them. These spiny eels belong to different families and orders and can be found in freshwater and deep-sea environments. The term "Anguillulina" also exists, referring to a genus of nematodes, which are roundworms, not fish.34
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