Swamp and Spiny Eels: Synbranchiformes

Swamp and spiny eels reach a length of 8 to 48 inches (20 to 150 centimeters). Although they look like eels, these fishes are not related to true eels. Scales are either absent or very small. These fishes do not have a swim bladder, an internal sac that fishes use to control their position in the water. The dorsal (DOOR-suhl) and anal (AY-nuhl) fins are low and join each other at the tip of the tail. The pelvic fins, if present, are small and on the throat. The dorsal fin is the one along the midline of the back. The anal fin is the one along the midline of the belly. The pelvic fins, the rear pair, correspond to the rear legs of four-footed animals.