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CAAB: 37285000

Family SYNBRANCHIDAE

One-gilled Eel, Swamp Eels


Compiler and date details

20 April 2011 - Douglass F. Hoese, Jennifer E. Gates & Dianne J. Bray

Introduction

Members of the Synbranchidae, swamp eels, are known from tropical fresh waters and estuaries of Asia, the Americas, West Africa and the tropical Western Pacific. Currently, four genera and 22 species are recognised worldwide (Eschmeyer 2011). Nelson (2006) summarised information on the family. Four species in two genera are known from Australia.

Blind cave-dwelling synbranchids are found in Australia, Africa and Mexico. They are rare in Australia although further studies may yield additional species. All are capable of breathing air, but only one species has lung-like air sacs. Most species are small, but some reach a length of 1 m.

Rosen & Greenwood (1976) reviewed the family. Australian species are treated in Allen et al. (2002).

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
20-May-2011 20-May-2011 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)