A large order of actinopterygian fishes containing the true eels. This group, also known as the Apodes, now includes the former order Saccopharyngiformes or Lyomeri (gulpers or gulper eels). The Anguilliformes are related to the Elopiformes (tarpons) and the Notacanthiformes (spiny eels and halosaurs); all have a leptocephalous, or ribbonlike, larval stage in development. The chief characters of the Anguilliformes include a pectoral girdle which, when present, is free from the head and suspended from the vertebral column; no symplectic, mesocoracoid, and posttemporal bones; pectoral fin present or absent; absence of a pelvic fin and girdle in Recent forms; no fin spines; elongate body with numerous vertebrae; scales present or absent; paired orbitosphenoids; and restricted gill apertures.