Deep-Sea Habitats in the Mariana Islands II

Say hello to this Bassozetus cusk-eel, who swam right up for a closer look at the ROV. That thin filament near its chin is a modified pelvic fin. In related cusk-eels, these fins are packed with sensory cells, essentially functioning like barbels, and are thought to help the fish feel around the sediment for food in the dark. Curious, a little nosy, and clearly not camera-shy.