TRIPOD FISH

Ipnopidae

Tripod Fishes or Spider Fishes are a family of deep sea fish. Tripod Fishes are found in many parts of the world at depths of around 6,000 Ft (2,000 M) They are characterized by their unusually long pectoral fins, which they use for walking around on the seabed, however, they are still capable of swimming. Tripod Fishes are very slender and have pointed heads. Colors range from a silver grey to indigo. Their eyes are very simple and only used to detect the faint glow of luminous prey. Fish in this family average 1 Ft (0.3 M) long.

These fish feed on small crustaceans such as shrimp and copepods. They catch these by finding a small current and facing slightly into it. They wait until they detect something edible. The fish then springs forward with its mouth open and the prey is funneled into its mouth.