Latin name

Thymichthys politus

Other names

Thymichthys politus

Identification

This species is characterized by the following combination of features: large esca, medium-sized eyes, body variably covered with small, closely spaced, flattened warts, but without well-developed skin; posterior edges of warts usually with a small, sharp, elongated point (mostly curved, sometimes its tip is visible); scales deeply curved, widely spaced. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-19; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Red handfish use their hand-like fins for crawling rather than swimming.

Fish colouring

There are two color varieties: bright red with a red body and fins, with a black line separating the white edges of the fins, and mottled with a pink body covered with many red spots, with translucent pink fins that show a few bright red spots. 

Distribution

Historically, this species was found in several subpopulations throughout Tasmania, including Port Arthur, Fortescue Bay, Actaeon Islands, D'Antrecasto Strait and the Forestier Peninsula. The species is currently found only on two small reefs in Frederick-Henry Bay. 

Habitat

A benthic marine demersal species that prefers temperate climates. Usually inhabits reefs and crevices where sand and rocks are abundant. These reefs have a diameter of no more than 50 meters and a perimeter of no more than 75 meters. They are most commonly found at depths of 1 to 20 meters.

Size

Their average standard length is 61.4 mm (2.4 inches) and their average total length is 80.1 mm (3.2 inches). 

Behavior

The macroalgae that cover the rocks allow these fish to blend in easily with their surroundings. 

Food and feeding habits

Little is known about their diet, which consists of benthic animals, mainly small crustaceans and polychaete worms.

Reproduction

Their limited habitat is due to their low reproductive and dispersal rates. Unlike other fish, they reproduce directly in the benthos. Females lay eggs at the base of algae from August to October. Each egg mass contains 30 to 60 eggs connected by tubes. Adults guard the eggs until the larvae hatch.

Fishing

Not interesting for fishermen.

Relationship with a person

The fish is listed as threatened under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the IUCN, and as endangered under the Tasmanian Endangered Species Protection Act 1995.