Ophidiidae

noun

Distribution: Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Dorsal fin rays usually equal to or longer than opposing anal fin rays; anus and anal fin origin usually behind tip of pectoral fin; scales present; some with one or more spines on opercle; supramaxillary present; larvae without a vexillum; pelvics sometimes absent. Maximum length 2 m in Lamprogrammus shcherbachevi.

The family Ophidiidae belongs to the Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) and the Order Ophidiiformes. It contains 46 genera and 209 species. It may be found in Marine environments and is primarily Marine. Members of this family are not used in the aquarium trade. Reproductively, most members of this family are nonguarders. The main mode of swimming of adult fish in this family is anguilliform. Compared with other fish, the activity level of this family tends to be normal. Members of this family have been dated back to the Eocene epoch of the Tertiary period. Etymology of this family name: Greek, ophis = serpent