The tripod fish, Bathypterois viridensis, with parasitic isopods attached to two of its fins. Tripod fishes rest on the seafloor on the tips of elongated rays of their pelvic and lower caudal fins. They use the elongated rays of their pectoral fins as sensory “antennae” that project out and forward as the fish sits facing into the current.
Tripod Fish
Image courtesy of NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Gulf of Mexico 2017.
The tripod fish, Bathypterois viridensis, with parasitic isopods attached to two of its fins. Tripod fishes rest on the seafloor on the tips of elongated rays of their pelvic and lower caudal fins. They use the elongated rays of their pectoral fins as sensory “antennae” that project out and forward as the fish sits facing into the current. Download larger version (jpg, 732 KB).
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