Saccopharynx is a genus of deep-sea eels with large mouths, distensible stomachs and long, scaleless bodies. Commonly, these fish are called gulpers or gulper eels. It is the only genus in the family Saccopharyngidae, and is part of the derived lineage of the "saccopharyngiforms," which includes other mid-water eel species. The name is from Latin saccus meaning "sack" and Greek 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 , and are known to inhabit the eastern and western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream. 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 the esca of anglerfish. Unlike pelican eels (Eurypharyngidae), gulper eel diets are largely thought to consist of fish;Böhlke, J.E. 1966. Order Lyomeri. pp. 603–628, in: G.W. Mead, H.B. Bigelow, C.M. Breder, D.M. Cohen, D. Merriman, Y.H. Olsen, W.C. Schroeder, L.P. Schultz, and J. Tee-Van (editors), Fishes of the Western North Atlantic, Memoir 1, Pt. 5. Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. Bertelsen, E., J.G. Nielsen, and D.G. Smith. 1989. Suborder Saccopharyngoidei: Families Saccopharyngidae, Eurypharygidae, and Monognathidae. pp. 636–655, in: E.G. Böhlke (editor), Fishes of the Western North Atlantic, Memoir 1, Pt. 9, Vol. 1. Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.Nielsen, J.G., and E. Bertelsen. 1985. The gulper-eel family Saccopharyngidae (Pisces, Anguilliformes). Steenstrupia, Copenhagen, 11(6):157–206. a specimen of Saccopharynx lavenbergi was recovered with the digested skull bones of an Oneirodes anglerfish.
Species The genus has ten recognized species: Saccopharynx ampullaceus Harwood, 1827 (Gulper eel) Saccopharynx berteli Tighe & J. G. Nielsen, 2000 Saccopharynx harrisoni Beebe, 1932 Saccopharynx hjorti Bertin, 1938 Saccopharynx lavenbergi J. G. Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985 Saccopharynx paucovertebratis J. G. Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985 Saccopharynx ramosus J. G. Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985 Saccopharynx schmidti Bertin, 1934 (Whiptail gulper) Saccopharynx thalassa J. G. Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985 Saccopharynx trilobatus J. G. Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985
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