Abyssal spiderfish (Bathypterois longipes)

Scientific name: Bathypterois longipes G?nther, 1878

The Abyssal spiderfish (Bathypterois longipes) is a marine fish of the family Ipnopidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 0–5°C (32–41°F).

Abyssal spiderfish care at a glance

Temperature: 0–5°C (32–41°F)

Biology

Solitary. Occurs in waters with a temperature range of 4.5-0.4?C. 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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Bathypterois longipes
Family: Ipnopidae (Deep-sea tripod fishes)
Order: Aulopiformes (Grinners)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 24.9
Depth range: 2615–5610 m (8579–18406 ft)
Environment: Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 2615 - 5610 m
Climate: Deep-water
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.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Resilience: Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026