Gyrinoformes
From Tlaquanaru
Revision as of 03:57, 23 August 2007
Gyrinoformes is one of two extant orders of Class Osteogyrinia. Members of the order resemble either a tadpole, or a very small hagfish. Most species are marine, with only a few (about 45 species) in freshwater habitats.
Family Gyrinophiidae
The gyrinophiids are slender, tadpole-like vertebrates that are inevitably found swimming in the water column, either within a few meters of the bottom, or within a few meters of the water's surface. While the largest species, Thunnugyrinos gargantua, is over 40 centimeters in length, the average length of gyrinophiids is around 2 to 5 centimeters. All species are considered to be planktivores, and feed by forcing water into their buccal cavities through constant extensions and contractions of their pharynx. However, many species have been observed feeding on zooplankters as large as themselves.
