Red Handfish

The Red Handfish (Thymichthys politus) is endemic to Tasmania, and is found only in southeastern Tasmania. Once relatively common, Red Handfish have become rarer in recent years, probably due to habitat loss and changing sea conditions. This clip shows Red Handfish walking on the seafloor - they rarely swim, they much prefer to walk. Handfish (family Brachionichthyidae) are a primitive family related to the anglerfish and frogfish, and are found only in southern Australia. They get their name from the way they used their pectoral (side) fins like hands to grip the bottom. They rarely swim - they prefer to walk along the bottom on their fins. They feed on small invertebrates, particularly mysids. All handfish lay egg masses that are brooded by the female, and they hatch as miniatures of the adult - there is no larval dispersal stage. Filmed by Michael Baron. All footage and images in this video are © Michael Baron, Eaglehawk Dive Centre, all rights reserved. No part of this video can be used in any way and/or in any form without written permission. For all licensing enquiries please contact licensing@bravebison.io

Previously known from just one small 50m patch of reef in south-eastern Tasmania, red handfish are thought to have a total population of just 100 adults. This video shares the story of a recent discovery a second red handfish colony. At the end of the video you will learn about the latest conservation successes using a strategy called 'head-starting'. Given their size, small range and wild remote habitats, red handfish are extremely difficult to find. If you see a red handfish or you think you might have seen one but you're not 100% , get in touch with the team at the Handfish Conservation Project. 🎥 Ocean Imaging

The Red Handfish (Thymichthys politus) is endemic to Tasmania, and is found only in southeastern Tasmania. Once relatively common, Red Handfish have become rarer in recent years, probably due to habitat loss and changing sea conditions. This clip shows Red Handfish spawning - there is a courtship "dance" then the female lays her eggs tangled around vegetation while the male fertilises them. The female remains with the eggs for several weeks, brooding them until they hatch. She does not feed during this time. Handfish (family Brachionichthyidae) are a primitive family related to the anglerfish and frogfish, and are found only in southern Australia. They get their name from the way they used their pectoral (side) fins like hands to grip the bottom. They rarely swim - they prefer to walk along the bottom on their fins. They feed on small invertebrates, particularly mysids. All handfish lay egg masses that are brooded by the female, and they hatch as miniatures of the adult - there is no larval dispersal stage. Filmed by Michael Baron. All footage and images in this video are © Michael Baron, Eaglehawk Dive Centre, all rights reserved. No part of this video can be used in any way and/or in any form without written permission. For all licensing enquiries please contact licensing@bravebison.io