Red-lipped Batfish

Red-lipped Batfish

“The best way to observe a fish is to become a fish” 

 Jacques Cousteau   

A walking fish from the Galapagos! 

This fish would make Darwin proud.  In fact, the red-lipped batfish is named after him (Ogcocephalus darwini). This unusual fish has a lot of adaptations that make it look and act very un-fishlike.  First, its pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are modified in such a way that it can rest on the sea floor on them.  In some cases, it can move on its pectoral and pelvic fins as if it was walking on its fins!  The second major adaptation is the modified dorsal fin that resembles the lures of the closely related angler fishes. 

The red-lipped batfish is found most commonly around the deep waters of the Galapagos Islands.  Similar batfish, such as the rosy-lipped batfish are found around Cocos Island.  The habitat range for this batfish is deep waters.  Divers may encounter this fish in deep water greater than 100 feet, but they are not common.  While Carl L. Hubbs (see references) noted that a few specimens were found in nets in California, these sightings are highly unusual and may very well be a different, but related species of batfish.

It is the face that is most interesting bright red lips and a long black-ish-brown horn.  Under this protu-berance is a small-concealed lure, the purpose of which continues to stump scientists. Still, this oddly patched together “Mr. Potatohead” face is a face that only a mother could love.