The Red Handfish is one of the rarest fish species in the world, found only in two small coral reef areas off the coast of Tasmania. With its unique shape and mode of movement, the Red Handfish may be one of the most endangered fish species today.
Also known as the walking fish, the Red Handfish is a peculiar small fish found exclusively in two small coral reefs off Tasmania, Australia. With pectoral fins evolved into “hands” for walking along the sea floor and its distinct appearance, this species is considered one of the rarest and most endangered fish in the world.
The Red Handfish is also known as the walking fish.
The Red Handfish, scientifically named Thymichthys politus, is a unique fish species belonging to the family Brachionichthyidae found in the coastal waters of eastern Tasmania, Australia. This species is known for its remarkable feature where its front fins resemble hands, creating a distinctive and easily recognizable image.
Shape and Key Characteristics
The Red Handfish measures no more than 10 cm in length and can exhibit various colors such as red, brown, and pink, often brighter at the fin edges. The most notable feature of this fish is its large “hands” formed by its evolved pectoral fins, enabling it to walk along the sea floor instead of swimming like typical fish. This makes the Red Handfish an incredible curiosity in the evolutionary process.
According to Andrew Trotter, head of the Red Handfish breeding conservation project at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) of the University of Tasmania, the loss of a swim bladder is a common trait among many bottom-dwelling fish species. “Although walking with fins is quite rare, some fish species can even do so on land. The loss of the swim bladder is seen as an evolutionary step when it becomes unnecessary for buoyancy control,” Trotter explained.
The most notable feature of this fish is its large “hands” formed by its evolved pectoral fins.
The front fins of the Red Handfish develop in a hand-like shape, with a thin and flat structure that allows them to move slowly along the sea floor. This adaptation enables them to navigate gently and accurately in search of food.
Endangered Status and Threats
Red Handfish live on the sea floor and cannot move far using their “hands,” making them particularly vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and urban development. They are only found in two small coral reefs off Tasmania, Australia, and currently, there are only about 100 known wild individuals left.
Trotter shares that the Red Handfish could be one of the rarest fish species in the world. “It’s really hard to know the exact number, but this fish is certainly among the most threatened we know of,” he stated. The species is so rare that researchers in Australia recently brought 25 out of the 100 wild individuals into captivity to protect them from extinction risk due to marine heatwaves.
Their habitat is quite sensitive to environmental changes.
The Red Handfish primarily inhabits shallow sea floor areas, often found in rocky or sandy bottoms at depths of 10 to 30 meters. They typically reside near coral reefs and sea floor areas with plenty of hiding spots to seek food. Their habitat is quite sensitive to environmental changes, making the Red Handfish susceptible to human activities and climate change.
Conservation Efforts and Future of the Species
Taking care of and conserving the Red Handfish is not an easy task. Trotter, who looks after the captive fish, mentions that there are some individuals with distinct personalities. “One might call this ‘attitude,'” he said. However, being responsible for caring for these endangered animals is “wonderful, yet sometimes very stressful.”
Among the 25 captive individuals, three have died, but 18 of them have been released back into the wild after the heatwave subsided. The remaining four are currently in the IMAS captive breeding program to help secure the future of this rare fish species.
Despite the conservation efforts, the future of the Red Handfish remains uncertain. Trotter worries that with so few individuals left in one place, an extreme event could lead to extinction. “When you have very few animals left in one place, it seems that an extreme event could lead to extinction,” he commented.
The Red Handfish habitually uses its fin-hands to search for and approach prey.
This species has a solitary lifestyle and is mostly active at night. They primarily forage for small invertebrates, small fish, and algae. The Red Handfish habitually uses its fin-hands to search for and approach prey, allowing for precise strikes. Their behavior is relatively understudied, but current research suggests they may have unique hunting strategies to optimize survival.
The Red Handfish is a clear testament to the wonders and diversity of the natural world. However, with the current threats, this species faces a risk of extinction. The conservation efforts of scientists like Andrew Trotter and his colleagues at IMAS bring hope for the future of the Red Handfish, but more protective actions are needed to ensure the survival of this extraordinary fish species.
