Tiny Tim the Tripod Fish

All we know about this deep sea creature comes submersible observations. Though, we knew enough to give it a fitting name: the Tripod Fish.

Standing on long, bony rays that extend from the fish’s tail and pectoral fins the Tripod Fish always faces upstream while standing on the ocean floor’s oozy bottom. Standing upstream allows small crustaceans, shrimp, and other little creatures to swim straight into the waiting fish’s mouth.

Even though the creature’s body is only 14 inches long, the fin rays can reach over 3 ft in length! And interestingly, while the rays appear to be strong and bony (supporting the fish in the muck), the submersible has been successful in surprising the fish into swimming (see the 2rd picture from the bottom) and then the rays appear to be quite flexible.

Odd huh? What do you think? Strong or flexible? I go with … Sexible?

Here’s the video footage from the submersible: