A fish called ... whatever

A CONSERVATION group is calling on people to name a red handfish, in an effort to save the species that according to a new census has fewer than 100 individuals.

Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science researcher Rick Stuart-Smith has been monitoring the handfish for the past 10 years.

Dr Stuart-Smith told the Mercury this could be the last chance to save this species — which only exists in Tasmanian waters — from extinction.

“The handfish are charismatic species and an icon of the Tasmanian marine environment,” Dr Stuart-Smith said.

“But unfortunately resources are currently limiting what we can do to save them.”

The red handfish, which researchers say could be the world’s rarest fish, is currently known to populate two 50m long patches of reef in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel near Bruny Island.

Habitat loss and destruction, pollution and urban developments, are the main threats to the recovery of the population.

Dr Stuart-Smith said a new database that catalogues all known individuals will help scientists collect information to find out how long the fish live, how far individuals move, and how quickly they grow.

By paying to name a handfish, members of the public can donate to the Handfish Conservation Project which is working on research and conservation.

“Naming a red handfish is an exciting thing to be able to do, but it also has a serious side,” Dr Stuart-Smith said.

“The two remaining populations that we know of are incredibly vulnerable.

“The fact there are so few individuals remaining means that without intervention they almost certainly face extinction.

“It is hoped that being able to name a red handfish will help engage people on the plight of the species by highlighting just how critical population numbers are.”

The spotted and Ziebell’s handfish are both also critically endangered species of the fish that can walk on the bottom of the sea, both of which live in Tasmanian waters.