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The hagfishes comprise a uniform group of some 60 species inhabiting the cool or deep parts of the oceans of both hemispheres. They are considered the most primitive representatives of the group of craniate chordates, which - apart from the hagfishes that show no traces of verte brae -includes all vertebrate animals. Consequently the hagfishes have played and still playa central role in discussions concerning the evolution of the vertebrates. Although most of the focus on hagfishes may be the result of their being primitive, it should not be forgotten that, at the same time, they are specialized animals with a unique way of life that is interesting in its own right. It is now more than 30 years since a comprehensive treatise on hagfishes was published. The Biology of Myxine, edited by Alf Brodal and Ragnar Fange (Universitetsforlaget, Oslo, 1963), provided a wealth of information on the biology of hagfishes, and over the years remained a major source of information and inspiration to students of hagfishes.

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List of contributors. Editors´ preface. Introduction. Part One: Evolution, Taxonomy and Ecology. Part Two: Development and Pathology. Part Three: The Integument and Associated Glands. Part Four: Supporting Tissues. Part Five: The Muscular System. Part Six: The Respiratory System. Part Seven: The Cardiovascular System. Part Eight: The Blood and Immune System. Part Nine: The Uro-Genital System. Part Ten: The Endocrine System. Part Eleven: The Nervous System. Part Twelve: Sensory Organs. Index.

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