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.

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