Video: Rare Australian Fish with “Hands”

The spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus), as its name implies, is a rare Australian fish which has hand-like pectoral fins that allow it to walk on the sea floor. It has only been found in the estuary of the Derwent River in Tasmania and nearby areas typically in water 5 to 10 meters deep.

The fish is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Uniion for Conservation of Nature) Red List as of 2002. View a short video below showing how the fish “walks”, yet retains its natural ability to swim.

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