The Fish That Doesn’t Swim
Photo credit: Rein Ketelaars
Common logic has it that a fish should be able to swim. Well, there’s one that can’t swim (or, at least, can’t do so very well). Enter the red-lipped batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini ). The red-lipped batfish is found in the waters off the Galapagos Islands, where it walks on the seabed instead of swimming like other fish. Even the walking motion has been described as being more of a stagger than a walk.
It is unknown why the red-lipped batfish moves the way it does, although it is assumed its bat-like body is not streamlined enough. The fish walks with its pectoral and pelvic fins, which other fish use to swim, and propels itself forward with its anal fin. The red-lipped batfish’s seeming inability to swim has some positive outcomes, though. It has no predators and is generally unaffected by any change in the environment since it’s usually hanging out on the floor. This allows it to live for 12 years on average, despite its small size.
As much as I would like to see this little guy, I think it's best just to leave it alone. Seems like it's doing fine on it's own.
Coffee out on the patio this morning.
