Ptilichthys goodei is a filiform member of the Zoarcoidei easily recognized by its exceptional elongation, protuberance on the lower jaw, and a thread-like filament trailing from the caudal fin. Little is known about the life history, behavior and morphology of the quillfish because the species is rarely collected. We investigated the skeletal and soft anatomy, including the composition of the protuberance of the lower jaw and caudal filament. We used high speed video to film feeding events from a single quillfish and locomotion of several individuals. We used SEM, histology, and computed tomography scans of quillfish to describe morphology. Quillfish teeth are thecodont, deeply socketed into bone and have a robust layer of enamel and dentine. The protuberance on the lower jaw is narrow and ridge-like, free of taste buds, and composed of dense and loose connective tissues. The function of this structure remains mysterious, though we hypothesize that it plays a role in the burrowing behavior documented in the adults. Feeding is accomplished by suction and preceded by a very slow preparatory phase in which the fish contorts into a characteristic arch before explosively darting forward, opening its mouth, and sucking in the prey suggesting elastic energy storage plays a role in capture. Locomotion is unusual for an elongate fish both because there is no visible wobble using undulation and little slippage. All data are from small animals, less than ⅓ of maximum size. We know of no source for adult animals, but our successful month-long captivity of one individual raises the possibility of captive rearing.