Seamoths are a very unusual family of small, bottom dwelling fish. Seamoths have flattened bodies, large, wing-like pectoral fins, a long snout and the body is completely encased in fused, bony plates. The pectoral fin rays are connected with broad, transparent membranes, and they are capable of rapid colour change to match the surrounding environment. The tail fin is fan-like.
Generally, seamoths have light to dark brown, olive-brown, reddish brown, or almost black head and body. The pectoral fins ('wings') have a broad white outer margin and rows of small brown spots. The pectoral fins are used to 'walk' on the seafloor, and seamoths are rarely observed free swimming.
Seamoths can form their mouths into a tube-like shape to suck worms and crustaceans from burrows.
Males and females form close long-term pair bonds, and spawning takes place in open water near the surface.
1 species found on this page.
