Tripod fish (Genus Bathypterois) are unusual fish with very long pelvic fins that can support the fish high above the bottom of the sea. There is an image of a pale white species on page 126 of the Paxton Encyclopedia of Fishes.

The Ipnopidae family includes about 30 species related to the Chlophthalmidae. However, these fish dwell very deep in the oceans, and they are unique becaue of their elongated fin rays. These fish have long narrow bodies. Some species are able to prop themselves up on their pelvic and tail fins. Most species are less than about 14 inches in length.

The lizard and lancet fish order (Myctophiformes or sometimes called Aulopiformes if you exclude the Myctophide and Neoscopelidae families) contains several families that are generally found in marine waters. The familes include:
Alepisauridae - Lancetfish
Anotopteridae - Daggertooths
Aulopidae - Like Liazrd Fish
Bathysauridae - Deep Sea Lizardfish
Chlorophthalmidae - Greeneyes
Evenmannellidae - Sabertooth Fish
Giganturidae - Telescopefish
Harpadontidae - Bombay Ducks
Ipnopidae - Includes tripod fish and relatives
Myctophidae - Lantern Fish
Neoscopelidae - Lantern Fish Allies
Paralepididae - Barracudinas
Scopelarchidae - Pearleyes
Synodontidae - Lizardfish


Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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