They are found worldwide in temperate and tropical seas.

[3][4] Cutthroat eels range from 23 to 160 cm (9.1 to 63.0 in) in length.

They are bottom-dwelling fish, found in deep waters down to about 3,700 m (12,100 ft).

[5] They are distinguished by the presence of telescopic eyes in the larvae.

Cutthroat eels are classified into the following subfamilies and genera:[6]