Saccopharynx

Taxobox
name = "Saccopharynx"

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Saccopharynx flagellum". From plate 49 of "Oceanic Ichthyology" by George Brown Goode and Tarleton Hoffman Bean, published 1896.
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Saccopharyngiformes
familia = Saccopharyngidae
genus = "Saccopharynx"
genus_authority = Cuvier, 1829
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text.

"Saccopharynx" is a genus of deep sea eel-like fishes with large mouths, distensible stomachs and long scaleless bodies. It is the only genus in the family Saccopharyngidae. The name is from Latin "saccus" meaning "sack" and Greek "pharynx".

Like other saccopharyngiforms, fishes in this genus are known as gulpers or gulper eels.

They are generally black in color, and can grow to lengths of 2 m (6.5 feet). They have been found at depths of 1,800 m (6,000 feet). Their tails are tipped by a luminous bulb-shaped organ. The exact purpose of this organ is unknown, though it is unlikely it is used as a lure.

Species

There are eleven species:
* "Saccopharynx ampullaceus" (Harwood, 1827)
* "Saccopharynx berteli" Tighe & Nielsen, 2000
* "Saccopharynx flagellum" Cuvier, 1829
* "Saccopharynx harrisoni" Beebe, 1932
* "Saccopharynx hjorti" Bertin, 1938
* "Saccopharynx lavenbergi" Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985
* "Saccopharynx paucovertebratis" Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985
* "Saccopharynx ramosus" Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985
* "Saccopharynx schmidti" Bertin, 1934
* "Saccopharynx thalassa" Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985
* "Saccopharynx trilobatus" Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985

References

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