Elassomatiformes

Elassomatiformes: Order still incertae sedis. Distribution: Native range: North America, eastern USA. Elassomatiformes comprise the single family Elassomatidae, characterized by a mosaic of reductive characters that makes problematic their phylogenetic position. For that reason, they are retain in Perciformes in their own suborder in Nelson (2006: Ref. 58010). Short description: Dorsal fin originating between pectoral and anal fins, with 3-5 spines and 8-13 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 4-8 soft rays; principal caudal fin rays 14 or 15; 5 branchiostegals rays; numerous reductions in laterosensory system (e. g., no lateral line on body).
 * See Fishbase.

Families in this order:
 * Elassomatidae