Walking Fish

Walking Fish

We are so excited to be back snorkeling with our campers after shark week! Chompy will be back later next week! Today we are meeting a strange but super cool fish today. And yes is it known to walk and not swim!

Longnosed Batfish Fun Facts: 

• Longnosed batfish can grow up to 12 inches long.
• These crazy looking creatures use their side fins to “walk” along the sand floor.
• They lay in wait for prey to swim by. They can can detect prey with the small antennae on their head.
• They can range in color from yellowish to purple with small spots. They have red-orange lips.’
• They are carnivores that eat fish, crustaceans and shellfish.
• They are in the same family as of the anglerfish.
• They are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

These strange and amazing creatures have filled a nook in the environment that other fish have not. They prey on animals at the bottom. While most fish swim higher in the water column, batfish “walk” along the floor. It’s an amazing adaptation if you ask us! Think batfish celebrate Halloween?