How to Identify Spotted Handfish

To identify Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Highly variable, typically pale yellow to orange-brown with numerous dark brown to black spots covering the body and fins. The spots are often irregular in shape and size. The ventral surface is usually paler.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Modified pectoral and pelvic fins resembling hands, used for 'walking' on the seafloor., Small, upward-pointing mouth., Rough, warty skin texture due to dermal denticles., First dorsal fin modified into an illicium (lure) and esca (bait) located on the head, though less prominent than in some other anglerfish., Absence of a swim bladder.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. The first is highly modified into an illicium and esca. The second dorsal fin is soft-rayed, relatively short, and positioned posteriorly.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin, often with dark spots.

Pectoral fin

Large, fleshy, and limb-like, with a distinct 'elbow' joint, used for ambulation.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are also limb-like and positioned anteriorly, beneath the pectoral fins, aiding in 'walking'.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Locomotion

   Observe its unique 'walking' behavior using its hand-like pectoral and pelvic fins on the seafloor. It rarely swims.

2. 2

   Coloration and Pattern

   Look for a pale yellow to orange-brown body covered in distinct, irregular dark brown to black spots.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Note its compressed body, small size (up to 15 cm), and warty skin texture.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Search in shallow, sheltered estuarine and bay environments with soft sediments and sessile invertebrates in southeastern Tasmania.

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