3 amazing facts about the red-lipped batfish 

The ocean is home to a variety of mysterious and unusual-looking creatures. One such member is the red-lipped batfish. True to its name, the fish appears to have red lipstick-stained lips and frog-like legs! Incredible, isn’t it? They are primarily found in the deep waters of the Galapagos Islands, hanging out in sandy or rocky bottoms. So, if you ever wish to see these creatures, you will need to wear your scuba diving gear and if you come into contact with one, do not shed a sweat: They are completely harmless to humans! Their diet consists solely of small fish. Although research is still limited, scientists believe that their luscious lips aid in attracting mates! However, the strange look of this fish is not the only thing that makes it surprising and unique. Let’s take a look at some more fascinating facts about this intriguing fish. 

It got its name from Darwin! 
Although not endangered, this species is rare and found only in the Galapagos islands, well-known for being the site where scientist Charles Darwin worked on his Theory of Evolution. The scientific name for the red-lipped batfish is Ogcocephalus darwini. Of course, it had to have Darwin in it! The initial part of the name refers to a fish with a hooked head or one with a hook on its head and is derived from the Greek words for ‘hook’ (ogkos) and ‘head’ (kephal). The discoverer gave the second half of the name darwini because these fish are primarily found in the ocean surrounding the Galapagos Islands. However, the inspiration did not stop there. The discoverer found out that the red-lipped batfish bore few morphological similarities to the adaptations observed in finches and other species studied by Darwin. This was another reason for the fish to be named darwini. Owing to these factors, this peculiar looking fish has forever been linked to the great scientist. Locally, it is also known as Galapagos batfish.  

They have no known predators 
The red-lipped batfish is a small bottom dweller in deep waters. Their flat brownish-grey body allows them to blend well with the ocean floor debris. This makes it easier for them to hide from large sea creatures and avoid danger. The only predator-like threat they may face is an increase in water temperature, which could cause environmental problems and limit their access to food.  

Being from the family of anglerfish, the red-lipped batfish have an illicium (a small fleshy hook-like appendage) on their heads that they use to attract their prey, such as small fish, shrimp, worms and crabs. They also use their dorsal fin to extend and retract to catch their prey.  

They walk on the ocean floor 
You will be surprised to know that the red-lipped batfish, despite being a fish, does not swim well and instead, walks along the ocean floor! It’s more of a froggy waddle, but it does the job. Red-lipped batfish struts across the ocean floor using the modified fins that serve as makeshift legs. It can swim a little bit by tucking its pelvic fin underneath the body and moving its tail back and forth in the water. Despite this, these batfish prefer walking over swimming. You should definitely watch a video of a red-lipped batfish walking to get a better idea because it is as weird as it sounds!