Spotted Handfish

Brachionichthys hirsutus

Spotted Handfish

Instead of swimming, the spotted handfish walks across the sea floor on stubby fins shaped like little hands. Found only in a few estuaries of Tasmania, it lays its eggs around stalked sea squirts and is one of the most endangered fish in the world.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Lophiiformes › Brachionichthyidae › Brachionichthys

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 279954.

FAQ

How deep does the Spotted Handfish live?
The Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) is typically found at 1–60 m.
Is the Spotted Handfish dangerous to divers?
The Spotted Handfish is harmless to divers.
How big does the Spotted Handfish get?
The Spotted Handfish grows to about 15 cm.