CSIRO Science Image

Female spotted handfish with eggs spawned around a stalked ascidian in the Derwent estuary.

Handfish are small, bottom-dwelling fishes that would rather walk on their pectoral and pelvic fins than swim. They are native to Australia and five of the eight identified handfish species are found only in Tasmania and Bass Strait. The spotted handfish is endemic to Tasmanias lower Derwent River estuary. In 1996, the spotted handfish became the first Australian marine fish to be listed as endangered. Scientists, government and the community are involved in a federally-funded recovery plan for the spotted handfish led by CSIRO Marine Research.

Photo credit: Barry Bruce, CSIRO Marine Research.

Photographer : Barry Bruce, CSIRO Marine Research.

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•  endangered and threatened species   animal genetics and reproduction   fish and shellfish   marine life   native animals