The red-lipped batfish: The bizarre Galápagos creature that looks like it’s wearing lipstick

Red-lipped batfish wows underwater observers

A deep-sea oddity from the waters around the Galápagos Islands has gone viral again for all the right reasons. With a bright red pout and a clumsy “walking” style, the red-lipped batfish is often described as one of the strangest looking fish in the ocean.

The species, known scientifically as Ogcocephalus darwini, is found mainly near the Galápagos and sometimes off the coast of Peru. What grabs attention immediately is its mouth. The lips are a vivid, almost painted red, giving the fish a look that resembles heavy lipstick. Marine biologists believe this bold colour helps individuals recognise one another and may play a role in mating, especially in the low light conditions on the seafloor where visibility is poor.

Its odd appearance is matched by an equally unusual way of getting around. The red-lipped batfish is a poor swimmer compared to most fish. Its body is flattened and its fins are shaped in a way that makes graceful swimming difficult. Instead of cruising through the water, it uses its pectoral and pelvic fins more like legs, propping itself up and “walking” across sand or rock in short, shuffling steps. This awkward gait has made it a favourite subject for underwater photographers and a regular feature in lists of the world’s most peculiar marine animals.

When it comes to feeding, the batfish relies on patience. It settles on the seabed and waits, barely moving, until small fish, worms, crustaceans or other invertebrates come close enough to grab. Younger batfish have a small projection on the head that acts as a lure, similar in principle to the light on an anglerfish. As they age, this lure becomes less prominent, but the structure remains as a reminder of how the group evolved.

Red-lipped batfish are usually found between about 20 and 120 metres deep, in calm, stable habitats on the ocean floor. They are not currently seen as endangered, but like many species tied to specific marine environments, they are indirectly exposed to the wider risks of warming seas and changing ocean conditions. For now, though, this lipstick-wearing oddball of the Galápagos continues to fascinate scientists and casual observers alike, looking almost more like a creature from a fantasy film than a real fish.