Rare Pink Handfish:

• In February 2021, Australian marine researchers photographed the seabed in Tasman Fracture Marine Park with an underwater camera. Later, while reviewing the footage, they discovered the pink handfish.

• The Taman Fracture Marine Park is famous for its deep crack in the earth`s crust that allows scientists to study marine life up to 4,000 metres below the surface.

• Pink handfish were previously thought to be restricted to shallow waters. However, this time it was discovered at a depth of 150 metres.

• Handfish are anglerfish from the family Brachionichthyidae. There are five genera and fourteen living species in this family.

• These benthic marine fish are known for propelling themselves by walking on the seafloor rather than swimming.

• Handfish can currently be found in the coastal waters of southern, eastern, and Tasmanian Australia.

• They are scientifically known as Latin brachium. The species was given the name `handfish` because of the small hand-like structure that they use to walk on the seafloor.

• Handfishes have small populations and a restricted range. As a result, they are extremely vulnerable to disruption.

• The endangered species list includes critically endangered species. Handfish can grow to be 15 cm long.

• They have denticles on their skin, which has earned them the moniker "warty anglers." They are a slow-moving fish species.

Environment Current Affairs December 4th Week 2021