Why is this animal unusual?
It’s a terrible swimmer. Instead, it uses four of its fins like legs and “walks” along the bottom.
Why does it look like that?
A flat, triangular body covered in bumps, a pointed snout – and those lips, which look freshly painted.
Strangest biological feature
A built-in fishing rod. Like its relatives the anglerfish, it has a small lure on its head that it can wiggle to attract prey.
Why is it strange?
Nobody knows for sure what the red lips are for. The best guess is that they help batfish recognise each other when it’s time to mate.
Interesting behavioral facts
It spends its life on the seabed, waddling slowly and waiting for small animals to come within range.
Records held
Named after Charles Darwin, whose visit made the Galápagos famous.
