Order Carencheli, the Long-necked Eels.—Certain offshoots from the Apodes so widely diverging in structure that they must apparently be considered as distinct orders occur sparingly in the deep seas. One of these, Derichthys serpentinus, the long-necked eel, constitutes the sole known species of the suborder Carencheli (καρά, head; ἔγχελυς, eel). In this group the premaxillaries and maxillaries are present as in ordinary fishes, but united by suture and soldered to the cranium. As in true eels, the shoulder-girdle is remote from the skull. The head is set on a snake-like neck. The single species representing the family Derichthyidæ was found in the abysmal depths of the Gulf Stream.
Fig. 113.—Gymnothorax berndti Snyder. Hawaii. Family Murænidæ.
Fig. 114.—Gymnothorax jordani (Evermann & Marsh). Family Murænidæ. Puerto Rico.
Fig. 115.—Moray, Gymnothorax moringa Bloch. Family Murænidæ. Tortugas.
Fig. 116.—Derichthys serpentinus Gill. Gulf Stream.
