This video clip shows - in detail - how the

is practically eyeless (there is no natural light at this depth). Its long, bony fins are thought to be strengthened by fluids pumped into them when the fish is ‘standing’ to be more rigid. These fins can also feel the vibrations made by approaching creatures in the muddy sediment. When the tripod fish is swimming, the long fins float softly (and a little awkwardly) beneath it, as seen here during an #octoodyssey expedition ROV dive.⁣
⁣
The pair of erect pectoral fins just behind its head has two general purposes: they act like antennae, providing extra sensory information to the tripod fish about incoming prey, and can also steer floating prey into the vicinity of its mouth.