Evolution in the making: A rare fish developing hind-quarters

The spotted handfish , Brachionichthys hirsutus , is a rare Australian fish from the family Brachionichthyidae . It is classified as Critically Endangered (CR - A1cde) on the IUCN Red List 2002. It is a benthic fish usually found in depths of 5 to 10 metres, with overall sightings varying from a minimum of 2 metres depth up to a maximum of 30 metres deep. They have been recorded from depths between 2-30 m but appear to be most common in 5-10 m (Bruce et al., 1998). The spotted handfish is unusual in that it has highly adapted pectoral fins , which appear like hands (hence the name) and allow it to walk on the sea floor. It has a highly restricted territory, being found only in the estuary of Derwent River, Tasmania , and nearby areas. FROM WIKIPEDIA.