Part nine of Fishes of the Western North Atlantic continues to provide the comprehensive and informative accounts of fishes that distinguish the previous eight volumes in the series. Published in two volumes, this part treats 180 species in 85 genera (19 families) of eels and related gulper eels which are found in the western and mid-Atlantic, and the unique larvae known as leptocephali (168 species). The adults are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical reefs and coastal waters, brackish and occasionally fresh waters, and mid- to deep ocean waters. Each account combines a review of published knowledge with original study and research, resulting in important contributions to ichthyology not found elsewhere.