Synbranchus

Synbranchus is a genus of fish in the family Synbranchidae, commonly known as swamp eels or water cobras. These fish are characterized by their elongated, serpentine bodies, absent pectoral and pelvic fins, and a single dorsal fin that runs along much of their back. Their skin is scaleless and smooth, often with a dark, mottled coloration that provides camouflage in their muddy aquatic habitats. Synbranchus species are found in freshwater and brackish environments across various tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

A notable characteristic of Synbranchus is their ability to breathe air. They possess a suprabranchial organ, which allows them to extract oxygen from the atmosphere. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in environments that can experience low oxygen levels, such as stagnant ponds and swamps. They are also known for their burrowing behavior, often digging into the substrate to escape predators or unfavorable conditions. Their diet typically consists of small invertebrates, crustaceans, and other small fish. Reproduction in Synbranchus varies among species, with some exhibiting protandrous hermaphroditism, where individuals mature first as males and later change to females.