Gymnotiformes

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Gymnotiformes: Body eel-like (compressed or rounded); pelvic girdle and fins absent; dorsal fin absent; anal fin extremely long (more than 140 rays and extending from near pectoral fin origin to near tip of body) and employed in forward and backward movements; caudal fin absent or greatly reduced; restricted gill openings; anal opening under head or pectorals; basal pterygiophores to anal fin with only one section (radial) and a hemispherical cartilaginous head that articulates the fin rays (allowing them to move in a circular motion); electric organs present; suboperculum absent; palatine not ossified; maxilla rudimentary.

Families in this order: