Ophidiinae is a subfamily of the cusk eel family Ophidiidae. The species in the subfamily are characterised by having their pelvic fins situated far forward on the body and supported by a forward orientated extension of the pelvic girdle, they lack barbels on the mouth and chin and they are covered in small cycloid scales arranged in horizontal or diagonal rows. Some species have a modified swim bladder and the anterior vertebrae which enables them to generate sounds. and some of these modifications are sexually dimorphic and make the fish capable of generating sound. They have two rays in each ventral fin and the caudal fin has 9 rays. Most species are benthic and occur on the continental shelf.
Genera The following genera are classified under the Ophidiinae:
Cherublemma Trotter, 1926 Chilara Jordan & Evermann, 1896 Genypterus Philippi, 1857 Lepophidium Gill, 1895 Ophidion Linnaeus, 1758 Otophidium Gill, 1885 Parophidion Tortonese, 1954 Raneya Robins, 1961
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