Ophidiinae | |
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Ophidion barbatum, Sardinia | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Ophidiiformes |
Family: | Ophidiidae |
Subfamily: |
Ophidiinae Rafinesque, 1810 [1] |
Ophidiinae is a subfamily of the cusk eel family Ophidiidae. The species in the subfamily are characterised by having their pelvic fins situated far forward on the body and supported by a forward orientated extension of the pelvic girdle, [2] they lack barbels on the mouth and chin and they are covered in small cycloid scales arranged in horizontal or diagonal rows. Some species have a modified swim bladder and the anterior vertebrae which enables them to generate sounds. and some of these modifications are sexually dimorphic and make the fish capable of generating sound. [3] They have two rays in each ventral fin and the caudal fin has 9 rays. Most species are benthic and occur on the continental shelf. [4]
The following genera are classified under the Ophidiinae: [5]