Tadpole Fish
Raniceps raninus
Habitat: Rocky reef and sea bed
Depth: 100-1000m
Food: Bottom living fish crustaceans, worms and starfish
Length: Up to 30cm
Lifespan: Unknown
Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC) Assessed 2014
Black and shiny, with a broad head and body tapering to its tail, it is easy to see how this fish got its name. Originally classified in the Gadidae (cod) family, it has now been found through studies that tadpole fish are the only member of the Ranicipitidae family. The tadpole fish is shy and hides in rocky crevices or under stones and is usually very difficult to spot. It doesn’t move very far from its hiding place but can be seen swimming at night.