Red Handfish
Sympterichthys politus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: to 6 m
- Max size: 9 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: CR
A tiny handfish of Tasmanian inshore reefs, the red handfish reaches barely nine centimetres and walks across the bottom on leglike fins instead of swimming. It hides under algal canopies, is rare and cryptic, and now sits among the most endangered fish on earth with only a handful of known populations.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Lophiiformes › Brachionichthyidae › Sympterichthys
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 321715.
FAQ
- How deep does the Red Handfish live?
- The Red Handfish (Sympterichthys politus) is typically found at to 6 m.
- Is the Red Handfish dangerous to divers?
- The Red Handfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Red Handfish get?
- The Red Handfish grows to about 9 cm.