While exploring the seafloor off the coast of Tasmania, a group of divers came across an unusual fish that was pink in color and had hand-like fins. The species, known as Brachiopsilus dianthus or Pink Handfish, uses its unique fins to move across the ocean floor. This was a rare find because this fish has only been seen a few times in recent years. The previous observation took place in 2021, and before that – 22 years ago. This species was first discovered in 1947.

The fish was spotted near the island of Hippolyte Rocks, in the area where the Dutch steamer SS Tasman sank. The history of this ship is connected with an accident that occurred in 1883, when it came into contact with an unknown reef and sank. Passengers and crew were rescued, but the ship lost a significant amount of livestock.

The dive by the divers was part of a series of works dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the sinking of the steamer. They had only 25 minutes to explore the 70 meters depth of the water. At the end of the expedition, they discovered a second pink fish just 10 meters away from the first.

Brachiopsilus dianthus is one of four endangered species of handfish native to Tasmania. These fish cannot swim long distances due to their lack of a swim bladder and prefer rocky seabeds. Source