Mastacembelidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 466 words | Copyright

Mastacembelidae (spiny eel; subclass Actinopterygii, order Perciformes) A family of freshwater fish that have very elongate, eel-like bodies. The dorsal fin consists of a series of short spines followed by a long second dorsal fin matched by the anal fin. Typically, the pointed snout terminates in long, fleshy, tubular nostrils, probably used by these nocturnal fish to sniff out food in darkness. There are about 50 species, occurring in tropical Africa and Asia.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Mastacembelidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Mastacembelidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Mastacembelidae.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Mastacembelidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Mastacembelidae.html

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