Bathypterois longipes Günther, 1878
Abyssal spiderfish
photo by Graham, K.

Family:  Ipnopidae (Deep-sea tripod fishes), subfamily: Ipnopinae
Max. size:  24.9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 2615 - 5610 m
Distribution:  Atlantic Ocean: Off northwestern (south of Cape Verde; off Cape Blanc) and southwestern Africa, both sides of North Atlantic, off Uruguay in the South Atlantic. Elsewhere, widely scattered localities in the Pacific.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Solitary. Occurs in waters with a temperature range of 4.5-0.4°C (Ref. 3590). Uses its specialized fin rays (tripod) to elevate body into water column. Specialized sensory pectoral fins are spread facing anteriorly, probably to detect prey. Feeds on planktonic crustaceans. Synchronously hermaphroditic (Ref. 6688).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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