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Family
Gymnotidae (Nakedback Knifefishes)
Species Currently in the DFL
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About This Family
Distribution:
North (southern Mexico only), Central, and South America
Habitat:
Freshwater; deep rivers and swamps.
Remarks:
The Nakedback knifefishes possess cylindrical or compressed, eel-like body; their extremely long body cavity comprises 31-51 precaudal veterbrae, except for the genus Eletrophorus which has more than 100 vertebrae and can generate powerful electric shocks. Distinguishable characteristics include absent of pelvic and dorsal fins, exceedingly long anal fin from near pectorals to near tip of tail. Most knifefishes are nocturnal and may bury themselves in substrate in powerful flowing waters.
Genera and species: The genus Gymnotus currently has 32 species.
Maximum length is 60 cm.
Reference:
Nelson 2006