Tripod Fish

Observed at -750 meters, this tripod fish was nice enough to let the ROV get some extreme close-ups. It has tiny eyes and hunts for food by sensing vibrations. When a small crustacean bumps into the extended, fan-like pectoral fins; the fish “sweeps“ the food toward its mouth. Note how the pelvic and caudal fin rays are rigid while keeping the fish perched above the bottom, but become mere wisps as it swims away. The fish may be up to 37cm, but the fins may be about a meter.