Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus)

 The Spotted Handfish or Brachionichthys hirsutus is a very rare type of Anglerfish that actually walks across the ocean floor. There are 14 known species of Handfish in the world and all of them are located in the coastal waters off southeastern Australia. Much like the Frogfish, these saltwater fish have specially developed pectoral fins that allow them to walk instead of swim. As if this wasn't weird enough, they are also Anglerfish which means that they have a small lure that comes out of their heads to attract potential prey. All of this makes the Spotted Handfish one of the strangest fish in the ocean!

Spotted Handfish are quite small only growing to about 4-3/4" (120mm) in length. Unfortunately, little more is know about this beautiful creature because it is listed as critically endangered and has not been properly studied.

If you have any additional information about the Spotted Handfish please leave us a comment below.

Common Roach (Rutilus rutilus)

The Common Roach or Rutilus rutilus is a freshwater fish that is found in many places in Western Asia and Europe. From the Cyprinidae family, these fish are not very large, only growing to about 18 inches (45cm). These fish can also survive in brackish waters and can be identified by their red fins. Their bodies are generally silver with a white underbelly. As this fish grows it tends to become broader than the slender younger Common Roach. Most Roach have a red spot in their iris above their pupil.

Common Roach are often found in water with medium to thick vegetation. They can survive poor water conditions including pollution and high temperatures, as well as high salinity. In the winter months these fish will often retreat to deeper waters.

Often caught with a maggot or worm these fish are considered to be quite easily to catch in many places in Britain. The fact that Common Roaches are often found in schools like Perch, makes it all the easier once you have caught one, there is normally more in the same spot.

If you have any additional information about the Common Roach please leave us a comment below.

Sacramento perch (Archoplites interruptus)

The Sacramento perch or Archoplites interruptus is a freshwater fish from the Sunfish family Centrarchidae and is found in many of the western states in America including California, Oregon and Nevada. The habitat of the Sacramento Perch often consists of lakes and slow moving rivers with heavy vegetation. They are often caught and considered to be quite delicious when prepared correctly.

Sacramento Perch are not particularly large only growing to about 24" (61cm) in length and weighing in at 8lbs (3.6kg). They can normally live up to six years old. Females of this species tend to be larger than males.  These fish tend to be blackish or brownish with about seven vertical dark bars that are irregular in form and position.

Despite it name the Sacramento Perch is not considered to be a Perch at all. These fish have 12-14 dorsal spines and 6-8 anal spines with 13-15 pectoral rays. Sacramento Perch are notorious for being able to survive in many different water conditions. They are capable of surviving high temperatures, poor water clarity, high salinities and high turbidity.

Spawning of the Sacramento Perch occurs from March to August generally when the water temperature reaches 18 degree Celsius. Like the Bluegill, these freshwater fish will build nest in close to shore which they will defend at all costs until the female arrives. Female Sacramento Perch can produce over 100,000 eggs at a time and will spawn with multiple males. The male will guard the nest for several days until the fry are hatched.

If you are fishing for Sacramento Perch you can use a simple bobber setup with worms or crickets.  They are not the easiest to catch, but well worth it in the frying pan.    

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Cusk (Brosme brosme)

The Cusk fish or Brosme brosme is a long slender saltwater fish from the Lotidae family. Found in the Northern Atlantic this fish goes by a few different names including Tusk, Torsk, Moonfish, Brismak and Brosmius.

Cusk look a lot like many different species of Cod, but can be distinguished by the fact that they only have one dorsal fin. These fish can grow to about 3' (100cm) in length and can weigh up to 30lbs (14kg). When young they tend to have yellow bands on their side that will fade with age. Older Cusk are often a pale gray in coloration.  You can check out a Cusk fish in action in the video below... 

Considered to be quite tasty, Cusk are often caught offshore in depths of 60' or more. A rocky bottom is normally a good habitat for these bottom feeders. It will eat crustaceans, invertebrates and mollusks for the most part. Once caught these fish are often sold as fresh or frozen fillets.

Spawning of the Cusk occurs between the months of April and July. A female Cusk can produce more than 2 million eggs in just one season! Once the Cusk is born it will live near the surface until it reaches about 2" then it will make its way towards to rocky bottom.

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