CSIRO Science Image

One of the threats to spotted handfish populations in Tasmanias Derwent estuary is believed to be the loss of stalked ascidians, around which the fish normally lay their eggs. Trials with plastic rods set into the bottom as artificial spawning sites have been successful.

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.

Picture credit: Mark Green/CSIRO Marine Research

Photographer : Mark Green/CSIRO Marine Research

Libraries and tags

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