Black, shiny and shaped just like its name suggests, the tadpole fish has a broad, rounded head and a body that tapers down towards its tail. Growing up to 30cm long, this unusual-looking species was once grouped with the cod family, but scientists have since discovered it is so distinct that it now has a family all to itself — the Ranicipitidae.
Tadpole fish live on rocky reefs and seabeds, usually at depths between 100 and 1000 metres. They are shy and secretive, spending much of their time tucked away in rocky crevices or hiding beneath stones. They rarely stray far from their chosen shelter, making them tricky to spot, but they may venture out to swim and hunt at night. Their diet includes bottom-living fish, crustaceans, worms and even starfish.
Although their lifespan is still unknown, tadpole fish are currently listed as Least Concern. Even so, their deep-sea homes remain an important part of our marine ecosystems — full of fascinating life, much of which we are still discovering.
Habitat
Rocky habitats, wrecks, reefs mainly
Depth
0-100m
Food
Small fish, crustacea, polychaete worms, molluscs and gastropods
Length
30 cm
Lifespan
-----
Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC)
