Rare and Critically Endangered Spotted Handfish Gains Attention After Winning Underwater Photography Contest

The spotted handfish, a rare and critically endangered species, is gaining attention online after a photograph of the fish won an underwater photography contest.

The spotted handfish, which is found in the murky depths of Tasmania’s Derwent River, is unique in that it moves using pectoral fins that look like hands. It also has a fluffy lure above its mouth, which it uses to attract prey.

The Handfish Conservation Project estimates that there are less than 3,000 spotted handfish remaining in the wild, with the vast majority living in the Derwent Estuary. There are fourteen species of handfish in total, three of which are critically endangered.

The photograph of the spotted handfish was taken by Nicholas Remy last year and won an underwater photography contest. The awe-inspiring image has since gone viral on social media, raising awareness of the species and its plight.

The Handfish Conservation Project is working to protect the species and its habitat, and is calling on the public to help in its efforts. The project is also working to raise awareness of the species and its plight, and the photograph of the spotted handfish is helping to do just that.