| Saccopharynx | |
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| Saccopharynx ampullaceus. From plate 49 ofOceanic Ichthyology byGeorge Brown Goode andTarleton Hoffman Bean, published 1896. | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Suborder: | Anguilloidei |
| Family: | Saccopharyngidae Bleeker, 1859 |
| Genus: | Saccopharynx Mitchill, 1824 |
| Type species | |
| Saccopharynx ampullaceus Harwood, 1827 | |
| Species | |
See text | |
Saccopharynx is agenus ofdeep-seaeels with large mouths, distensible stomachs and long, scaleless bodies. Commonly, these fish are calledgulpers orgulper eels. It is the only genus in the familySaccopharyngidae, and is part of the derived lineage of the "saccopharyngiforms," which includes other mid-water eel species. The name is fromLatinsaccus meaning "sack" andGreek φάρυγξ,pharynx.
They are generally black in color, and can grow to lengths of 2 m (6.5 feet). They have been found at depths of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft), and are known to inhabit the eastern and westernAtlantic Ocean and theGulf Stream.[1] Their tails are tipped by a luminous, bulb-shaped organ. The exact purpose of this organ is unknown, although it is most likely used as a lure, similar to theesca ofanglerfish. The Saccopharynx diet mostly consists from crustaceans and smaller fish. It has a stretchy stomach that can hold large meals, which is very useful in the deep sea, where food is hard to come by.
The genus has ten recognized species:[2]
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