Scientists from the research vessel of the Australian Government Scientific and Applied Research Organization (CSIRO) reported that they have discovered a rare walking fish near the Tasmanian coast.

On a remote island area in the Bass Strait, at a depth of 292 meters, it was possible to remove the creature with the help of an underwater device. The fish most likely belongs to the species Pezichthys compression.

Representatives of this species are able to walk upside down, using the fins as hands.

Previously, this type of fish has only been seen in the wild twice: in 1986 and 1996. In both cases, they were seen in the Australian state of Victoria. Scientists have little data on this species, its habitat, and the size of individuals. But they noted that this sample is significantly larger than the previous two.

There are 14 known species of walking fish, seven of which live off the coast of Tasmania. The scientists added that shooting them in natural conditions is incredibly difficult, as they all differ in “camera shyness.”

The CSIRO-led research vessel was studying the effects of climate on the marine environment and fisheries. Therefore, the encounter with Pezichthys compress turned out to be accidental.