This "Walking" Fish Has Scientists Stumped
June 2, 2017 - Video captured off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, shows a
"walking" fish scampering on the seafloor. Fish experts, known as ichthyologists, agree that it's a member of the genus
Minous, more commonly known as stingfish. But what they don't agree on is its species. The video shows the stingfish using its lowermost pectoral fins as "feet" to move about and probe the seafloor for food. This mystery creature could be a striped stingfish, a white goblin or possibly an undescribed species. Accurately identifying this aquatic pedestrian may not be possible by watching the video alone. The experts all agree that the best way to examine this fish is to hold the specimen in your hands.
Read "Watch a Strange 'Walking Fish' That Has Experts Stumped."
A diver filmed this fish on its evening “stroll” off the coast of Bali, Indonesia.
It appears to be a stingfish, a common name for the minous genus from the stonefish (Synanceiidae) family.
Stonefish are known as the most venomous fish in the world.
However, the species of the one featured in this video is quite a mystery.
The aquatic pedestrian moves about using its lowermost “free” pectoral fin rays, the bony spines protruding from the bottom of its body.
It’s difficult to determine how many free rays this species actually has from video alone.
The "walking" behavior may actually be hunting, because these fish have tastebuds on each free ray.
Depending upon the rays and other physical features present, this fish could be a striped stingfish , whitetail goblinfish, painted stinger … or possibly an undescribed species.
The experts who saw this video agree that the best way to accurately identify this fish it to study it in hand.
