Scientists map the genome of Australian ‘punk’ fish that prefers to walk instead of swim

Information ‘blueprint’ of the spotted handfish could aid monitoring, captive breeding and protection efforts, scientists say

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They’re Australia’s own underwater punks in leopard print.

Spotted handfish are an endangered species of fish that prefer to “walk” instead of swim, thanks to their unusual pectoral and pelvic fins; have a fluffy dorsal fin on their head that looks almost like a mohawk; and live in the waters off south-east Tasmania.

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