Distribution:
Europe and Asia
Habitat:
Freshwater
Remarks:
Sheatfishes are found exclusively in Europe and Asia, sometimes entering brackish waters. These fishes are characterized by having small pelvic fins, sometimes absent. Likewise, the dorsal fin is short with fewer than seven rays and is sometimes absent. The anal fin is long, stretching along the body with about 41-110 rays. One or two pairs of barbels originate on lower jaw, although the front barbels are generally longer.
Sheatfishes can reach to maximum length of 5 m.
The family comprises of 11 genera and 97 species.
References: Nelson 2006