Lizard eels

Lizard eels
	Indeterminate lizard eel at a depth of about 2000 meters in Veatch Canyon (northwestern Atlantic).
Systematics
Class :	Ray fins (Actinopterygii)
Subclass :	Neuflosser (Neopterygii)
Subclass :	Real bony fish (Teleostei)
Cohort :	Elopomorpha
Order :	Thorn-back eels (Notacanthiformes)
Family :	Lizard eels
Scientific name
	Halosauridae
	Günther , 1868

The lizard eels (Halosauridae) live with 16 species in three genera worldwide in the deep sea. The name comes from the Greek and means "marine iguana". However, the animals are not lizards, but real bony fish .

features

The animals have an elongated body, with a pointed, whip-shaped tail that, like lizards, can be regenerated when lost. The anal fin is the largest fin and runs to the end of the tail. The mouth is low, the eyes large. Lizard eels have large cycloid scales . The sideline runs along the edge of the abdomen, there may be light organs on it , they have no swim bladder . Lizard eels are usually gray, brown or black. Some live animals have been filmed from remote-controlled vehicles .

The largest species is the 90 centimeter long Halosauropsis macrochir , which was found at a depth of 3300 meters. The remaining species are between 34 and 68 centimeters long.

Way of life

Lizard eels move slowly at the low temperatures of approx. 4 to 10 ° C with rhythmic vibrations of the body over the ground and wait for their prey consisting of worms, echinoderms and crabs.