Anguilliformes -

The most distinct feature of the Anguilliformes is their . After hatching as transparent leptocephali , they drift on ocean currents for months or years. They then transform into juvenile "glass eels" before reaching their adult form.

: Many species lack scales entirely; if present, they are deeply embedded in the skin. Diversity and Habitat anguilliformes

: Most species have a snakelike appearance with a complete absence of pelvic fins . Their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are often continuous, forming a single fringe around the tail. The most distinct feature of the Anguilliformes is their

While many other fish—such as electric eels and swamp eels—have evolved similar elongated shapes, they belong to different taxonomic orders and are not "true" eels. and caudal fins are often continuous