Neocyema

Neocyema is a genus of small, slender eels belonging to the order Saccopharyngiformes. These marine fish are characterized by their extremely elongated bodies, lack of pelvic fins, and greatly reduced or absent pectoral fins. Their eyes are also small and often degenerate. Neocyema species are found in deep-sea environments, inhabiting the bathyal and abyssal zones of the world's oceans. They are presumed to be predatory, feeding on small invertebrates and potentially other small fish. Due to their deep-sea habitat, little is known about the specific behavior, reproduction, or life cycle of Neocyema. They are rarely encountered by humans, and specimens are typically collected through deep-sea trawling or other specialized sampling methods. The genus currently contains only a few described species, with taxonomic classification sometimes being challenging due to the limited number of specimens and their unusual morphology. Further research is needed to fully understand the diversity and ecological role of these enigmatic deep-sea eels.