Anguilliformes is the taxonomic order of , a group of ray-finned fishes containing approximately 1,000 species across 20 families. They are defined by their elongated, cylindrical bodies and a unique life cycle involving a transparent, leaf-like larval stage called a leptocephalus . Key Biological Features

: Most species have a snakelike appearance with a complete absence of pelvic fins . Their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are often continuous, forming a single fringe around the tail.

: The majority are marine, inhabiting everything from shallow coral reefs (like moray eels ) to the abyssal zone (like gulper eels ).