Understanding Eels: Scientific Names, Taxonomy, and Common Species

While many people may not be familiar with the taxonomic classification of eels, these fascinating creatures belong to a diverse and order of fish that have been studied extensively by biologists and marine scientists. In this article, we’ll explore the taxonomy of eels, including their scientific name, the order in which they belong, and some of the most common species.

The Order Anguilliformes

The scientific name for the order in which eels belong is

Anguilliformes.

This order includes over 800 species of eels, which are divided into 20 families and numerous genera. Some of the most well-known families include Muraenidae (Moray Eels), which contains around 200 species, and Congridae (Snake Eels).

Common Eel Species: Moray Eels

Among the most common and abundant species of eels are the Moray Eels, which belong to the Muraenidae family. Moray Eels are ectoparasitic in nature and are often found in tropical and subtropical seas. They are known for their striking appearance and can sometimes be aggressive, especially when encountering humans in their natural habitat.

Example: The Mediterranean Moray (Muraena helena)

Muraena helena, also known as the Mediterranean Moray, is a species within the Muraenidae family. This eel is particularly interesting due to its mildly toxic slime, which can make it dangerous to humans. Despite this, the species is edible and is often prepared and served in a variety of ways, including broiled, boiled, or baked. Its unique characteristics make it a subject of both culinary interest and scientific study.

Other Elongated Fish Commonly Called Eels

It's important to note that while the order Anguilliformes includes the vast majority of eel species, there are also other elongated fish that are commonly called eels and do not belong to this order. For example, the electric eel, while resembling eels in appearance and behavior, is actually a type of ray and belongs to a different order, Gymnotiformes.

Snake Eels (Cercoidea)

Another family of eels, Cercoidea, includes snake eels, which are known for their elongated and often slender bodies, similar to those of snakes. Snake eels are typically found in both freshwater and marine environments and are distributed globally.

Additional Insights: Scales and Snakes

While eels are a type of fish, it's worth exploring the scientific classification of snakes, another group of elongated reptiles. Snakes are generally classified under the order Serpentes. All species of snakes have their own scientific names, which can include genus, species, and even subspecies. For example, the California kingsnake has the scientific name Lampropeltis getula californiae.

Snakes in Detail

Snakes are part of the class Reptilia, which includes a wide variety of reptiles such as lizards, crocodiles, and turtles. Within this class, snakes belong to the order Squamata, which is characterized by scaly skin. They are classified as Chordata at the phylum level, indicating that they are vertebrates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the classification of eels is quite complex, but understanding their order and some of the most common species can help us appreciate their diversity and importance in marine ecosystems. Whether you're a marine biologist, a fish enthusiast, or someone interested in the natural world, delving into the scientific classification of eels and their close cousin snakes can provide fascinating insights into the natural world.