An endangered spotted handfish was found washed up on Victoria Street in Hobart. This shocking discovery begs the question of how such a rare specimen found itself in the middle of the city. When John Retallick initially found the fish while taking a stroll on the property, he raised the alarm and intrigued scientists and conservationists alike.
Spotted handfish are amazing to look at as they sport bright red fins. It is one of 14 pink-looking, waddling handfish species that inhabit the waters of southern Australia, primarily Tasmania. Recent estimates indicate as few as 2,000 of these fish remain in the wild, so protecting them is crucial. The species mostly lives in protected shallow coastal bays, and the Derwent Estuary, around Tasmania.
Discovery and Condition of the Specimen
Retallick’s discovery on Victoria Street has drawn significant attention, especially considering the species’ endangered status. The fish was about 11 cm long and well-preserved. It seemed like it had just “flopped out of the water.” It was without its upper fin, something scientists have long suspected held clues to the animals’ determination—its fate.
Retallick said he was surprised to find such a rare aquatic creature in an urban environment. He remarked, “I called [Richard] and said, ‘I’ll give you a million-to-one odds if you can guess what I’ve just found on the street.’” His whimsical recollection expresses the wonder that is usually felt during spontaneous wildlife experiences.
CSIRO’s principal investigator in spotted handfish research Carlie Devine suspects the fish died naturally. She stated, “They’re so precious; it’s always sad when you hear one has washed up.” As Devine’s comments highlight, this discovery is important to the broader effort to study and protect the species.
Implications for Research and Conservation
The find has raised excited discussion among the scientific community about what it means to know about a spotted handfish population. David Hocking, a researcher with a background in documenting these types of specimens, told us that this particular find is extraordinarily valuable.
He explained, “These sorts of specimens are really valuable because they give us a record of the species at a moment in time.” The inclusion of this specimen into museum collections will likely enhance knowledge about the species and inform conservation strategies moving forward.
Hocking had further theorized about how the handfish might have gotten to Hobart in the first place. “It possibly washed up on a beach … [and] was probably picked up by a seabird, flown over, and dropped in town,” he elaborated. His whimsical take added, “A seabird lost its lunch, but science has gained a specimen,” highlighting the unexpected ways researchers can collect data.
The Bigger Picture
The spotted handfish is a critical component of its ecosystem. It equally represents Tasmania’s unique marine species diversity. Researchers – including NOAA Fisheries – are eager to protect these fish from the threats of habitat loss and climate change.
Devine remarked on the curious nature of this incident, stating, “It is a really interesting story: how did an iconic Tassie fish end up in the CBD?” This seemingly simple question represents much of the debate around the future of urban wildlife conservation.
Retallick is hoping that his discovery will help raise awareness about the species and its endangered plight. He humorously added, “This takes the cake … it sure beats the pademelon that lives in our front yard,” reflecting his astonishment at having encountered such a rare specimen in an urban environment.
