Where Does Spotted Handfish Live?

Spotted Handfish lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Spotted Handfish

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow, sheltered bays and estuaries, from 1 to 30 meters (3 to 98 feet).

Environment

Prefers soft sediment bottoms (sand, silt) with abundant sessile invertebrates such as ascidians (sea squirts), sponges, and bryozoans, which are used for egg attachment and camouflage.

Geographic range

Endemic to southeastern Tasmania, Australia, primarily found in the Derwent Estuary and surrounding bays (e.g., Frederick Henry Bay, D'Entrecasteaux Channel).

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