1. Fins: Barreleye fish have pectoral fins, pelvic fins, and a caudal fin. These fins help them maintain stability, maneuver, and propel themselves through the water. The pectoral and pelvic fins provide controlled movement and balance, while the caudal fin generates thrust for forward movement.
2. Body Undulations: Barreleye fish also use body undulations, or side-to-side bending of their bodies, to move through the water. By contracting and relaxing their muscles along the body, they create a wave-like motion that propels them forward.
3. Hovering: Barreleye fish are known for their ability to hover in place or move very slowly in midwater. They achieve this by carefully adjusting their buoyancy and using delicate fin movements to maintain their position.
4. Vision-Aided Movement: The barreleye fish's unique transparent head and tubular eyes play a crucial role in its movement and orientation. The tubular eyes provide a wide field of vision, allowing them to detect potential predators, prey, and obstacles in the deep-sea environment. Their vision helps them navigate through the dark depths and hunt for food.
5. Vertical Movement: Some barreleye fish species are known to perform vertical migrations. They move up and down in the water column, potentially following prey or adjusting to changing environmental conditions.
Overall, barreleye fish use a combination of fin movements, body undulations, hovering abilities, and vision-aided navigation to move through the deep-sea environment where they reside.