SYDNEY: Scientists have collected 25 extremely rare red handfish from the ocean off Australia, hoping to protect the struggling species from warming seas, human-caused habitat changes and ravenous urchins.

Only about 100 red handfish — which have the appearance of a crimson and brown goldfish with stubby arms and webbed hands — are left in the wild, living in a small section of reef off southeast Tasmania.

About eight centimetres (three inches) long, they “walk” along the sea floor on their pectoral and pelvic fins rather than swimming. But overgrazing urchins, run-off from urban areas, disturbances from boats and rising sea temperatures have resulted in “severe habitat loss and degradation”, according to the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.

Scientists at the institute recently made the difficult and risky decision to take dozens of the fish out of the wild for safekeeping. “This summer has already well exceeded previous temperature maximums,” said marine scientist Jemina Stuart-Smith.

“We can only assume that this additional stressor will impact the already fragile population,” she said. On Wednesday, scientists said the 25 specimens were doing well in their temporary aquarium homes and were being closely monitored for stress or ill health.

“We have highly experienced staff looking after the fish seven days a week, and a 24-hour call-out roster,” said the institute’s Andrew Trotter.

“We believe they are quite safe with us — but there is certainly a feeling of heightened responsibility among our team, given how small the wild population is.”

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2024