''Thymichthys'' is a
genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...
in the handfish
family
Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...
Brachionichthyidae. Like other handfishes, they move by means of walking on their
pectoral fins
Fins are distinctive anatomical features composed of bony spines or rays protruding from the body of a fish. They are covered with skin and joined together either in a webbed fashion, as seen in most bony fish, or similar to a flipper, as se ...
, which resemble hands.
''Thymichthys'' is distinguished by its wart-like protuberances, strongly demarcated sensory scales, and dermal appendages. The coloring is a bright pattern of blotches, spots, and reticulations.
[Last, P.R.; Gledhill, D.C. 2009: A revision of the Australian handfishes (Lophiiformes: Brachionichthyidae), with descriptions of three new genera and nine new species. ''Zootaxa'', 2252: 1-77]
Abstract and excerptPDF
/ref>
The generic epithet is derived from the Greek ''thymos'' (warty excrescence) and ''ichthys'' (fish).
Species
The currently recognized species in this genus are:
* '' Thymichthys politus'' Last
A last is a mechanical form shaped like a human foot. It is used by shoemakers and cordwainers in the manufacture and repair of shoes. Lasts typically come in pairs and have been made from various materials, including hardwoods, cast iron, and ...
& Gledhill 2009 (Red handfish)
* '' Thymichthys verrucosus'' (McCulloch & Waite, 1918) (Warty handfish)
References
External links
National Geographic, including photos
Brachionichthyidae
Marine fish genera
Taxa named by Peter R. Last
{{Lophiiformes-stub