The Red Handfish
Red Handfish are currently known from only two small 50m long patches of reef in south-eastern Tasmania, and are thought to have a total population of approximately 100 adults.
True to their name, the handfishes are a family of fishes that walk with their over-sized "hands" rather than swim.
They vary in colour from bright-red to light pink/ brown and are typically less than 10cm in length.
Habitat loss and destruction, pollution and urban developments are the main threats to the recovery of the Red handfish population. Given their size, and their small range, Red Handfish are extremely difficult to find. Therefore rely heavily on the public for any reports of sightings.