[2] Bathypterois are distributed worldwide with some particular species of the genus having specialized environmental niches, such as lower dissolved oxygen concentrations.

[3] Bathypterois have a reduced eye size, highly specified extended fins, and a mouth adapted to filter feeding.

The newest addition, Bathypterois andriashevi, was named and identified in 1988 by Kenneth Sulak and Yuri Shcherbachev.

[6] Some species, such as Bathypterois ventralis, are known to prefer warmer waters and lower dissolved oxygen concentrations/oxygen deficient zones, which they are well adapted for.

[7] However, in general, Bathypterois has a very broad distribution with much overlap between environments since they are so well adapted to survival in a variety of niches.

[7] Bathypterois tend to have non-sensory pads at the end of extended pelvic and caudal fin ray elements.

[10] The pads allow the rays to rest on the sea floor creating the sedentary three point (tripod) stance that is typically observed of Bathypterois.

[2] Bathypterois are predominantly observed with their body positioned upstream, facing the current in order to wait for prey and conserve energy.

Due to both poor eyesight and a lack of light at abyssal depths, Bathypterois use their pelvic fins to orient themselves as well as to sense and seize prey around them.

In order to feed, they have laminar gill rakers that are long and thin that allow them to capture planktonic prey.

[5] Spawning is thought to occur in late September through early November and the next egg won't develop until after a short rest period.