Common Name
Bigelow's Tripodfish
Year Described
Mead, 1958
Identification
Dorsal Fin: 11-13
Anal Fin: 8-10
Pelvic Fin: 8 (first two thickened and elongate)
Pectoral Fin: 2 tiny upper rays; then 2 joined rays that extend to the caudal fin base; then 3 short rays joined by membrane; then 2-3 tiny rays; then 8-10 lengthened lower rays.
Branchiostegal Rays: 10-12
Gill Rakers: 10-12, then 22-28 on lower limb (first arch)
Lateral Line: 48-55
Vertebrae: 49-52
Body fairly elongate with a tiny eye and a large mouth. Teeth tiny. Pectoral fins complex, with several elongate rays extending beyond anal fin. Ventral fins with first rays thickened and elongate (less than SL). Anal fin origin behind last ray of dorsal fin. Lowermost caudal fin principle rays are elongate (less than SL). There is no sub-caudal notch. Adipose fin present. Body scales small and simple.
Color
Body white, with irregular bands of reddish-purple, yellowish, or dark blue. Each scale on the dorsum with a diamond-shaped spot. Two dark spots on the caudal fin base.
Size
Maximum size to 130mm SL.
Habitat
Benthic from 377-986m.
Range
Florida to the Caribbean Sea, including the Gulf of Mexico.
References
McEachran, J.D. & J.D. Fechhelm. 1998. Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico. Volume 1: Myxiniformes to Gasterosteiformes. University of Texas Press, Austin. i-viii + 1-1112.