Red-lipped Batfish: facts, photo & sounds

Fascinating facts about the Red-lipped Batfish

Related to frogfish, the batfish family evolved their walking behaviour independently — a remarkable example of convergent evolution with land vertebrates.
Juveniles have a functional lure that glows. As they mature, the lure shrinks and the vivid lip colour intensifies, suggesting a shift from active luring to passive ambush hunting.
In the Galápagos, it was first formally described from Darwin's voyage specimens, hence the species name darwini.

At a glance

RangeGalápagos Islands, Peru coastline

HabitatSandy and rocky ocean floor, 3–76 m depth

DietSmall fish, shrimp, molluscs, worms on the seafloor

About the Red-lipped Batfish

Found only in and around the Galápagos Islands, the Red-lipped Batfish is a spectacularly bad swimmer. It has evolved arm-like pectoral fins it uses to walk along the ocean floor. Its vivid red lips have no confirmed function, though scientists suspect they help with species recognition. It also has a retractable lure on its forehead.

Hear the Red-lipped Batfish — and 4,000+ more

Real sounds, daily wild facts, games and good news from nature. Free on Feravox.

App Store Google Play Open on the web

Discover more wildlife

Bison Cattle Eurasian Collared-Dove Ailanthus Webworm Moth White-throated Toucan Queensland Tube-nosed Fruit Bat West Indian Manatee