The first thought came to our mind after listening to the word Fish is swimming. Generally, this species has fins that can help them navigate through the water. Surprisingly, there are some fishes which are considered to be possessing legs. In this blog post, we will look into the facts of fish with legs.
Research has shown that these legs are actually the fins which are modified into a structure resembling with leg-like structure. Hence, they have aroused the curiosity among people. This brilliant feature has confirmed the presence of unique organisms and the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
Top 10 Fish with Legs
In the under-section, I have enlisted the top 10 picks of fish with legs, along with their unique features, habitat, and behavior.
Axolotl
- Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
- Type: Salamander often mistaken for a fish
- Habitat: Freshwater lakes and canals in Mexico City
- Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, and worms
Firstly, axolotl is present in this rundown on fish with legs. This unique creature is also known as the Mexican walking fish as it is commonly existing in Mexico City. It is actually a type of salamander and has its own distinct characteristics. One of them is the regeneration of their lost body parts.
Mudskipper
- Scientific Name: Oxudercinae
- Type: Amphibious fish
- Habitat: Mangrove swamps, estuaries, and tidal flats in Africa, Asia, and Australia
- Diet: Small invertebrates and algae
A mudskipper is another fish with legs. It belongs to the Oxudercinae subfamily and is widely popular for its ability to move on land. Furthermore, its pectoral fins closely resemble with legs which make sure that they can move comfortably on soil. This species is present in many regions including Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Walking Catfish
- Scientific Name: Clarias batrachus
- Type: Freshwater fish
- Habitat: Ponds, swamps, and rivers in Southeast Asia
- Diet: Opportunistic, eating small fish, insects, and plant material
Mainly found in Southeast Asia, the walking catfish has a tremendous ability to walk on land with the help of its pectoral fins. That’s why it has gained so much popularity. They are basically the residents of freshwater lakes and ponds and have a limited survival rate in the oceans and seas.
Frogfish
- Scientific Name: Antennariidae
- Type: Anglerfish family
- Habitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans, primarily around coral reefs
- Diet: Ambush predators feeding on unsuspecting prey
Frogfish belongs to the Anglerfish family and its unique feature is its camouflage. Moreover, the pectoral fins are highly modified which gives the appearance of legs. That’s the reason it is present among the fish with legs. Due to this structure, it can walk on the floor of the ocean.
Seahorse
- Scientific Name: Hippocampus
- Type: Marine fish
- Habitat: Shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds, and coral reefs worldwide
- Diet: Small crustaceans and plankton
Seahorse is the next species in this fish with legs list. Although it does not feature modified fins, its prehensile tails and fins allow it to move in a quite similar manner to walking. They have a horse-like head structure and have an erect posture for swimming.
Loach
- Scientific Name: Cobitidae
- Type: Freshwater fish
- Habitat: Rivers and streams in Europe and Asia
- Diet: Nocturnal feeders on small invertebrates, detritus, and algae
Loaches are a diverse family of freshwater fish known for their bottom-dwelling habits and elongated bodies. Some species, such as the Kuhli loach, exhibit leg-like pectoral fins.
Batfish
- Scientific Name: Ogcocephalidae
- Type: Marine fish
- Habitat: Deep-sea environments from continental shelves to abyssal plains
- Diet: Small invertebrates and fish
Batfish are a family of marine fish known for their flattened bodies and ability to “walk” on the ocean floor using their modified pectoral and pelvic fins. They feed on small invertebrates as well as other fishes, present in the deep layer of seas.
Handfish
- Scientific Name: Brachionichthyidae
- Type: Marine fish
- Habitat: Shallow coastal waters and estuaries in Tasmania and southern Australia
- Diet: Small invertebrates
Handfish are a family of rare and critically endangered marine fish native to the coastal waters of Australia. They are named for their hand-like pectoral fins, which they use to “walk” along the seafloor. They usually eat small invertebrates.
Lungfish
- Scientific Name: Dipnoi
- Type: Freshwater fish
- Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and swamps in Africa, South America, and Australia
- Diet: Omnivorous, eating plants, invertebrates, and small fish
Lungfish are a group of freshwater fish known for their ability to breathe air. They possess limb-like pectoral and pelvic fins that they use to “walk” along the bottom of their habitats.
Epaulette Shark
- Scientific Name: Hemiscyllium ocellatum
- Type: Small shark
- Habitat: Shallow reefs and tidal pools in Australia and New Guinea
- Diet: Small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks
The epaulette shark is a small species of shark found in the shallow reefs and tidal pools of Australia and New Guinea. It is known for its ability to “walk” on land using its pectoral and pelvic fins.
Final Verdicts
These are the top 10 picks of fish with legs. All of them have adapted themselves to survive in aquatic or marine habitats and showcase their fascinating characteristics. Axoloti has brilliant regeneration abilities, while the mudskipper features an amphibious lifestyle. A good thing about the discovery of these fishes is that they have clarified that much more diversified and complex life exists on the Earth, especially beneath the oceans. Now, the only requirement is to take care of these creatures as some of them are in critical danger.
FAQs
What type of fish has legs?
There is no fish with true legs. However, some species have modified their pectoral fins into leg-like structures which caused them to be famous as fish with legs.
Which fish have 8 legs?
Octopus is the only fish that possesses 8 legs and it is present in the marine habitat.
What starfish has 7 legs?
Luidia ciliaris is a starfish having 7 long arms that are cylindrical and resemble closely with legs.
What fish has four legs?
Axolotl is a fish with 4 legs and is usually present in the freshwater lakes of Mexico City.
