Critically endangered Tasmanian fish becomes 18,000th species photographed for Nat Geo Photo Ark

A tiny Tasmanian fish with a distinctive red face and an unusual way of moving has become the 18,000th species documented by National Geographic’s Photo Ark project.

The critically endangered red handfish was photographed by National Geographic Explorer and Photo Ark founder Joel Sartore while visiting the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania, where researchers are working on a captive breeding program to help safeguard the species’ future.

Measuring no more than a human thumb, the red handfish is one of the world’s rarest marine species. Rather than swimming like most fish, it uses modified pectoral fins to “walk” across the seafloor, giving it a distinctive appearance that has helped make it an unlikely conservation icon.

The photograph marks a major milestone for Sartore’s Photo Ark, which began in 2006 with the goal of creating studio portraits of every species living in human care around the world.

“I started the Photo Ark in 2006 with the idea that if we can illuminate species of all sizes — especially the little ones that don’t get a lot of love — then we might be able to ignite connection and compassion for all of the living things we share this planet with,” Sartore said.

“There’s no better example of what the Photo Ark is all about than our 18,000th milestone species.”

The red handfish is found only in small areas off Tasmania’s south-east coast and faces significant threats, including habitat loss, pollution and changes to its fragile marine environment. Conservation programs at IMAS are focused on breeding the species in captivity and improving knowledge of its biology and habitat requirements.

Sartore’s project has spent two decades documenting animals from around the world, from well-known species to lesser-known creatures often overlooked by the public.

The resulting collection aims to highlight biodiversity loss while encouraging conservation action by giving threatened species a visual identity.

You can see more of the images in the Photo Ark here.