The only genus, Gymnarchus, inhabits the Nile and the rivers of West Africa.
Family 70.—ESOCIDÆ. (1 Genus, 7 Species.)
"Fresh-water fishes, with scaly bodies, no barbels, and dorsal fins situated towards the tail."
Distribution.—The Nearctic and Palæarctic regions.
One species, the Pike (Esox lucius) ranges from Lapland to Turkey, and in America from the Arctic regions to the Albany river; the remainder are American species extending South as far as New Orleans.
Family 71.—UMBRIDÆ. (1 Genus, 2 Species.)
"Small fresh-water scaly fishes, without barbels or adipose fin."
Distribution.—Central Europe and Temperate North America.
Family 72.—SCOMBRESOCIDÆ. (5 Genera, 136 Species.)
"Marine or fresh-water fishes, with scaly bodies and a series of keeled scales along each side of the belly."