notacanthids

Notacanthids are a family of deep-sea fishes commonly known as spiny eels. They belong to the order Notacanthiformes and are characterized by their elongated, eel-like bodies and a series of dorsal spines followed by a soft dorsal fin. Their coloration typically ranges from brown to grey, and they possess small eyes. Notacanthids are found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, inhabiting depths from shallow waters to abyssal zones. They are generally benthic, meaning they live on or near the seafloor, often found in soft sediments. Their diet consists primarily of invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks, which they likely forage for using their sensitive barbels. Reproduction in notacanthids is poorly understood, but it is believed to involve external fertilization. These fish are not commercially significant and are rarely encountered by humans due to their deep-sea habitat. Examples of species within this family include species of the genus Notacanthus. Their unique adaptations for life in the deep sea make them a subject of interest in marine biology.