Red Handfish (Thymichthys politus) from Tasmania - courting and spawning (laying eggs)

The Red Handfish (Thymichthys politus) is endemic to Tasmania, and is found only in southeastern Tasmania. Once relatively common, Red Handfish have become rarer in recent years, probably due to habitat loss and changing sea conditions. This clip shows Red Handfish spawning - there is a courtship "dance" then the female lays her eggs tangled around vegetation while the male fertilises them. The female remains with the eggs for several weeks, brooding them until they hatch. She does not feed during this time.
Handfish (family Brachionichthyidae) are a primitive family related to the anglerfish and frogfish, and are found only in southern Australia. They get their name from the way they used their pectoral (side) fins like hands to grip the bottom. They rarely swim - they prefer to walk along the bottom on their fins. They feed on small invertebrates, particularly mysids.
All handfish lay egg masses that are brooded by the female, and they hatch as miniatures of the adult - there is no larval dispersal stage.
Filmed by Michael Baron. All footage and images in this video are © Michael Baron, Eaglehawk Dive Centre, all rights reserved. No part of this video can be used in any way and/or in any form without written permission. For all licensing enquiries please contact licensing@bravebison.io

Видео Red Handfish (Thymichthys politus) from Tasmania - courting and spawning (laying eggs) канала Eaglehawk Dive Centre