Have you ever heard of fish with legs? Yes, some fish can actually walk or crawl using fins that look like legs. These strange creatures are known as fish with feet or “leg fish.” They live in oceans, rivers, and muddy swamps. Some walk along the seabed, while others hop on rocks or mud. Their fins act like tiny legs. It’s a wild and amazing part of nature.
In this article, you’ll learn about 27 amazing types of fish with legs. We’ll show you each fish with legs name and where it lives. You’ll also find out how these fish with legs called move and survive. Some look funny, while others are rare and beautiful. From the deep sea to freshwater swamps, these fish are full of surprises. Get ready to explore the world of walking fish. Let’s dive into their weird and wonderful world.
27 Types of Fish With Legs
There are 27 strange and fascinating types of fish with legs found in oceans, rivers, and swamps. These include both freshwater and marine species. Some fish with legs can walk using modified fins. They show unique movement and behavior.
Many fish with legs like the Walking Catfish or Red-lipped Batfish live in muddy or rocky places. Each of these fish with legs has special leg-like fins that help them crawl or move on land. Their evolution shows how nature adapts to survive.
1. Armored Searobin (Peristedion spp.)
The Armored Searobin, also known as Peristedion spp., is a bottom-dwelling species found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indo-Pacific region, and West African waters. It lives deep on the ocean floor, often gliding slowly across muddy habitats and seagrass beds.
This fish with legs look has bony plates covering its body like armor. It uses its modified pectoral fins like legs to “walk” along the seabed. People often call it a leg fish because of this strange and cool movement.
Armored Searobins grow up to 18 inches in length and can weigh around 1 to 2 pounds. They feed on small crustaceans, worms, and other tiny aquatic creatures. They use their fins to feel and find food buried in sand.
These fish lay eggs in warm seasons. Female Armored Searobins can give birth to hundreds of eggs. Their unique seafloor navigation and armored body help keep them safe from predators.
2. Bichir (Polypterus spp.)
Bichir (Polypterus spp.) is a prehistoric-looking fish with legs found mostly in freshwater habitats across Africa. These fish are known for their long bodies and bony plates. They use their pectoral fins to “walk” along the bottom of rivers and swamps.
Locals sometimes call them dinosaur fish because of their strange look. Bichirs belong to the amphibious fish group. They can breathe air and even survive out of water for short times. That’s why people call them fish with feet too.
You’ll mostly find them in muddy habitats, swamps, and slow-moving rivers. Their ability to live in low-oxygen water makes them strong survivors. They’re especially common in West African waters, where they hide near plants and rocks.
When it comes to babies, female Bichirs can lay hundreds of eggs at once. They don’t care for their young after laying. The babies grow on their own, starting tiny but strong.
Read More: Different Types of Spider Species
3. Chinese Hillstream Loaches (Beaufortia kweichowensis)
Chinese Hillstream Loaches (Beaufortia kweichowensis) are small, peaceful fish known for their unique body shape. They have flat bodies and wide fins that help them stick to rocks in fast-moving streams. People love them for their calm nature and cute look.
These loaches live in cool, fast-flowing rivers and streams of China, especially in rocky areas with high oxygen levels. They need clean water to thrive. You’ll often see them resting on stones or gliding along the bottom.
Locally, they are sometimes called “butterfly suckerfish” because of their wing-like fins. Their smooth, sliding movements make them look like tiny underwater butterflies. They are peaceful and do well with other calm fish in aquariums.
They lay a small number of eggs when breeding. Usually, they hide the eggs under rocks or plants. After that, the babies hatch and grow slowly. These fish don’t breed often, so each baby is special.
4. Climbing Gourami (Anabantidae)
The Climbing Gourami, from the family Anabantidae, is a freshwater fish known for its ability to move on land. It uses its strong fins and special breathing organ to survive out of water for short times. That’s pretty wild, right?
This fish lives in muddy habitats, rice paddies, ponds, and slow-moving waters across Asia and Africa. You can spot it in places like India, Malaysia, and Thailand. It prefers warm, shallow waters with plenty of plants for hiding.
Locals often call it the “climbing perch” because it can crawl on land in search of water. It’s a bottom-dwelling species and sometimes even climbs out of drying ponds during droughts. That’s how it survives in tough conditions.
Female climbing gouramis lay hundreds of eggs at a time. They hide their eggs in bubbles near plants. The fish mostly eats insects, worms, small crustaceans, and even algae. It’s also preyed on by larger fish and birds.
5. Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum)
The Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) lives in the shallow reef flats of the Indo-Pacific region, especially around Australia and Papua New Guinea. You’ll often find it near coral reefs, rocky shores, and tidal pools. It survives well in low-oxygen muddy habitats.
Its name comes from the dark, oval spot behind each fin—like a soldier’s epaulette. This helps scare predators. It’s also known as a “walking shark” because it uses its modified pectoral fins to “walk” across the seafloor, even on dry coral during low tide.
Female Epaulette Sharks lay eggs, not live babies. They usually lay around 50 eggs per year. The eggs are tough and shaped like spirals. After a few months, baby sharks hatch and begin life in the shallow reef beds, hiding from predators.
This bottom-dwelling species grows up to 42 inches (107 cm) long and weighs about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). It feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and tiny fish, using a sneaky ambush hunting style.
6. Flying Gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans)
The Flying Gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans) is a unique bottom-dwelling species found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region. It lives near sandy or muddy seafloors. It’s known for its wide, wing-like pectoral fins that look like butterfly wings.
This fish doesn’t fly in the air. Instead, it “glides” along the ocean floor using its strong pectoral fins. It walks slowly while searching for food. The Flying Gurnard feeds on small fish, shrimp, and crabs hiding in the sand.
Females lay hundreds of tiny eggs in shallow coastal areas. These eggs float and hatch in warm waters. Young ones grow quickly and stay near the bottom for safety. They often blend in using camouflage to avoid predators.
Flying Gurnards can grow up to 20 inches long and weigh around 3 pounds. Their bony plates and armored body help protect them. Though they look scary, they are harmless and very interesting to watch.
7. Frogfish (Antennariidae)
Frogfish (Antennariidae) are strange-looking bottom-dwelling species found mostly in tropical and subtropical oceans. You’ll often spot them near coral reefs or rocky shores, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Their bumpy skin helps them blend in perfectly with their surroundings.
These fish with legs use their front fins like tiny feet to “walk” across the seafloor. Their movement is slow but sneaky. They don’t swim much. Instead, they lie in wait for prey, using a worm-like lure on their head to attract small fish.
Frogfish eat shrimp, crabs, and smaller fish. They strike fast and swallow prey whole. They can open their mouth in just milliseconds. On average, they grow about 2 to 15 inches long and can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms, depending on the species.
Female frogfish lay hundreds to thousands of eggs. They don’t care for the eggs after laying. Baby frogfish hatch and drift in open water before settling down. Their survival depends on luck and hiding skills.
8. Goosefish or Monkfish (Lophius spp.)
Goosefish, also known as Monkfish, belong to the genus Lophius spp. They live in deep waters along the Atlantic Ocean, especially near North America and Europe. These bottom-dwelling species are masters of camouflage and love hiding on the ocean floor.
People call them “sea devils” because of their odd looks and wide mouths. They use a lure on their head to attract prey. These ambush predators catch fish, squid, and sometimes even seabirds with lightning speed.
Female goosefish lay thousands of eggs in long, jelly-like sheets floating in the sea. The young hatch and grow quickly. Their life begins near the surface but shifts to the ocean floor as they mature.
A full-grown monkfish can reach about 4 feet long and weigh up to 50 pounds. Despite their scary face, they’re a popular seafood item. Their meat is firm and tasty, often compared to lobster in flavor and texture.
9. Little Dragonfish (Eurypegasus draconis)
The Little Dragonfish (Eurypegasus draconis) is a small marine creature found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially near coastal areas and sandy sea bottoms. It’s often seen in shallow waters, hiding under sand or near seagrass beds to avoid predators.
This fish has a flattened body, covered with bony plates, giving it a dragon-like look. It grows to about 3 inches in length and weighs very little—just a few grams. Its body is wide, and it has wing-like fins that help it “walk” on the seafloor.
Little Dragonfish are bottom-dwelling species that feed on tiny crustaceans and worms. They use their tube-like mouth to suck in prey. They are ambush predators, staying still and waiting for food to pass by. Their camouflage helps them stay hidden.
They don’t lay many eggs. Usually, the female releases a few hundred eggs into the water. These eggs float until they hatch. Baby dragonfish look like tiny versions of adults.
10. Mudskipper (Oxudercinae)
Mudskipper (Oxudercinae) is a unique amphibious fish known for its walking-like motion on land. These fish with legs are mostly found in mangrove swamps, tidal flats, and muddy habitats across the Indo-Pacific region and West African waters.
They use their strong pectoral fins to “skip” over mud. Their leg-like fins help them move easily on land. Mudskippers live in burrows and come out during low tide. They can breathe through their skin and mouth lining.
Most mudskippers lay eggs inside their burrows. Males dig the nest and guard the eggs until they hatch. They don’t lay too many babies at once. These fish are very protective of their young and burrow space.
Their body is long and slender with bulging eyes. Size varies from 4 to 10 inches depending on the species. They weigh around 20 to 100 grams. Mudskippers feed on insects, small crustaceans, and worms they catch on land or mud.
11. Red-lipped Batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini)
The Red-lipped Batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini) lives near the Galapagos Islands. It prefers the ocean floor, especially rocky or sandy areas. This strange-looking fish is famous for its bright red lips. It uses its modified pectoral fins to “walk” instead of swim.
This fish has a flat body, giving it a bat-like shape. It grows up to 15 inches long and weighs around 2 to 3 pounds. Its face looks like it’s wearing lipstick. That red mouth may help attract mates or confuse predators.
The Red-lipped Batfish is a bottom-dwelling species and hunts small prey like worms, shrimp, and crabs. It’s a quiet ambush predator, staying still and then snapping up its food quickly. It uses its leg-like fins for slow seabed crawling.
These batfish lay eggs during breeding season, but scientists still don’t know how many babies they have at once. They are rare and not harmful to people, just oddly cute and full of mystery.
12. Pacific Leaping Blenny (Alticus saliens)
The Pacific Leaping Blenny (Alticus saliens) is a small, odd-looking amphibious fish. It lives mostly on rocky shores and tidal pools in the Indo-Pacific region. You’ll often find it hopping on wet rocks, not swimming like normal fish.
This fish with legs doesn’t have real legs but uses its modified pectoral fins to move. Its body is slim and long with a reddish-brown color. It looks more like a lizard than a fish. Most blennies grow up to 3 inches long.
They lay small batches of eggs hidden in moist holes or cracks in rocks. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. These blennies don’t weigh much—just a few grams. Their walking behavior helps them escape danger quickly.
The Pacific Leaping Blenny eats tiny plants and algae. It doesn’t hunt other fish. It feeds during low tide when rocks are exposed. This fish with legs called “leaping blenny” for its funny jumping style.
13. Panther Flounder (Bothus pantherinus)
The Panther Flounder (Bothus pantherinus) is a bottom-dwelling species found mostly in the Indo-Pacific region, especially near sandy or muddy ocean floors. It blends perfectly with the seafloor thanks to its spotted, flat body. This camouflage protects it from predators.
These fish have a unique sideways body with both eyes on one side. Their shape looks flat and oval, like a pancake. The body is covered in dark spots, which helps them hide. They usually grow up to 15 inches long and weigh around 2 pounds.
Panther Flounders are carnivores. They use ambush tactics to catch prey. They mainly eat small crustaceans, shrimp, and fish that swim too close. They stay still, then strike fast. This behavior makes them excellent hunters on the ocean floor.
They reproduce by laying eggs in shallow waters. A single female can lay thousands of tiny eggs during the breeding season. These eggs float until they hatch, and the young fish slowly settle to the seafloor as they grow.
14. Pink Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus)
The Pink Handfish is a rare and odd-looking species found near Tasmania, off Australia’s coast. This bottom-dwelling fish doesn’t swim much. Instead, it “walks” on the seafloor using its hand-like fins. It’s one of the most unusual fish with legs.
It has a pinkish body, a flat head, and large pectoral fins that look like hands. Its size is small, around 4 inches (10 cm) long. The Pink Handfish is lightweight and has a short, chubby appearance. It doesn’t look like most typical fish.
Not much is known about its reproduction, but it lays eggs, like other handfish species. The young grow slowly and stay close to the seafloor. They are believed to live in shallow reef flats, making them hard to spot in the wild.
They feed on small invertebrates such as worms and crustaceans. These ambush predators wait patiently before snapping up prey. Due to their rarity, they are not hunted by humans but are threatened by habitat loss.
15. Red Gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu)
The Red Gurnard, also known as Chelidonichthys kumu, is a bottom-dwelling species found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around New Zealand and Australia. It prefers sandy or muddy habitats near the coastal areas and continental shelves of warm waters.
This fish with legs has large modified pectoral fins that look like wings or legs. It uses them for seafloor navigation and sometimes to “walk.” Its body is reddish with blue-edged fins. The shape is armored and long with bony plates.
Adult Red Gurnards grow up to 24 inches and weigh around 2.5 kg. They are marine species and carnivorous, feeding on small fish, crabs, and shrimps. Their grunting sound helps in communication and sometimes scares predators.
Female Red Gurnards lay thousands of eggs during spawning season. They are not aggressive and are often caught by commercial fisheries. People admire their unique fish movement and bright color.
16. Red Handfish (Thymichthys politus)
The Red Handfish is a rare and odd-looking fish found only near Tasmania, Australia. It lives in shallow, rocky seabeds and prefers areas with sponges and seaweed. This small fish is one of the rarest fish with legs on Earth.
It gets its name from its hand-like fins, which it uses to walk on the ocean floor. These fins are not used for swimming but for crawling slowly. The fish has a bright red or pink color with rough skin and a short, fat body.
The Red Handfish grows up to 3.9 inches (10 cm) long and weighs just a few grams. It lays a small number of eggs, usually 30 to 50. The female guards the eggs by wrapping them in seaweed and stays close by.
This fish eats small crustaceans and worms. It hides in rocks and uses camouflage to avoid predators. Because of its low numbers, it’s now a critically endangered species.
17. Ribboned Pipefish (Haliichthys taeniophorus)
The Ribboned Pipefish (Haliichthys taeniophorus) lives in shallow reef flats, seagrass beds, and coastal areas. It’s found mostly around Australia and Papua New Guinea, hiding in underwater plants and rocks.
This fish has a long, thin body that looks like a ribbon. It shows green, yellow, or brown colors, helping it blend with plants. Its shape looks like seaweed.
The female lays eggs, but the male carries the babies in a pouch. They give birth to 50–100 young at a time. This helps keep the babies safe.
They feed on tiny crustaceans and plankton using their snout-shaped mouth. Their average size is about 4 to 6 inches long, and they weigh only a few grams.
18. Robust Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus)
The Robust Ghost Pipefish lives in the Indo-Pacific region, especially near coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky shores. It hides well, blending with surroundings to avoid predators and hunt.
This fish looks like floating seaweed. Its body is elongated, thin, and covered with fine patterns. It comes in colors like brown, green, or red, depending on its environment.
Females carry eggs in their pelvic fins, which form a pouch. They can lay dozens of eggs at once. These fish stay close to the bottom and move slowly.
The Robust Ghost Pipefish grows up to 6 inches long and weighs very little—just a few grams. It eats tiny shrimp and small crustaceans, using its long mouth to suck them in.
19. Sargassum Fish (Histrio histrio)
The Sargassum Fish (Histrio histrio) lives in the Atlantic Ocean and Sargasso Sea. It hides in floating seaweed. Its body blends perfectly with brown and yellow sargassum plants for protection.
This fish looks strange and rough. Its shape is flattened and round, with weed-like fins. The color changes between green, yellow, and brown. This helps it hide from bigger predators.
It eats small fish, shrimp, and crabs. It is an ambush predator and catches prey with sudden bites. It doesn’t swim fast but strikes with surprise. It lives alone, not in groups.
The female lays hundreds of eggs in jelly-like masses. Babies hatch in floating weeds. It grows up to 8 inches long and weighs around 100 grams. With its camouflage, spiny body, and unique looks, it’s truly one of the ocean’s most unusual fish with legs.
20. Stargazers (Uranoscopidae)
Stargazers (Uranoscopidae) live mostly in shallow coastal waters and sandy seabeds. You’ll find them in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indo-Pacific region. They bury themselves to ambush prey.
These fish have flat, broad heads with eyes on top, making them look like they’re staring at the stars—hence the name. Their bodies are thick, often brown or grayish in color.
Stargazers can grow up to 22 inches long and weigh around 20 pounds. They lay hundreds of eggs during breeding. Their young grow fast in warm, shallow water.
They hunt small fish, crabs, and shrimp, using surprise attacks. Their upward-facing mouths help them snap prey quickly. Some even produce electric shocks to stun their targets.
21. Tripod Fish (Bathypterois grallator)
The Tripod Fish (Bathypterois grallator) lives deep on the ocean floor, especially in the Atlantic Ocean and Indo-Pacific region. It’s called “tripod” because of its long, thin fins.
This fish has a strange body. Its fins look like legs, helping it stand still on the seafloor. It’s pale brown or cream-colored and blends well with the dark seabed.
Tripod Fish are small, about 12 inches long, and weigh less than a pound. They eat small animals like crustaceans and worms. They wait quietly, then strike fast.
They lay many eggs, but not all survive. These bottom-dwelling species don’t care for their young. Their unique look and slow, ghostly moves make them one of the weirdest fish with legs around.
22. Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus)
The Walking Catfish is a freshwater fish known for moving on land using its fins. It mostly lives in muddy habitats, rice paddies, and swamps across Southeast Asia and Florida.
This fish can breathe air and walk short distances to find water. It has a slippery, eel-like body, dark gray to brown in color, with a flat head and whiskers.
The average size of a Walking Catfish is about 12 to 18 inches, and it can weigh around 1 to 2.5 pounds. It eats insects, small fish, and plants.
They lay hundreds of eggs in hidden spots, often during rainy seasons. Locals sometimes call it “magur.” Its walking behavior, ability to survive on land, and strong body make it a unique amphibious fish.
23. West African Lungfish (Protopterus annectens)
The West African Lungfish lives in freshwater habitats like swamps, rivers, and floodplains across West African countries. It survives in muddy habitats and even burrows underground during dry seasons.
This fish has a long, eel-like body with smooth, slimy skin. Its color is usually brown or grey with darker spots. It blends well with mud and murky water.
It eats insects, small fish, and worms. As an ambush predator, it waits and strikes quickly. It uses sharp teeth and powerful jaws to catch prey near the riverbed.
The female lays eggs in muddy nests. She guards them until they hatch. Baby lungfish are small but grow fast. Adults reach 3 to 4 feet long and can weigh up to 8 pounds.
24. Ziebell’s Handfish (Sympterichthys unipennis)
Ziebell’s Handfish is a rare fish with legs found only near Tasmania. It prefers shallow coastal areas and rocky reefs. This small, bottom-dwelling species is shy and hard to spot.
It has a unique shape, almost like a little frog with fins that look like hands. Its color is pale with dark spots, helping it blend into the seafloor perfectly.
This legged fish usually grows about 4 inches long and weighs just a few grams. It moves with a slow walking-like motion using its pectoral fins instead of swimming.
Ziebell’s Handfish lays very few eggs, making its babies rare. It hunts tiny crustaceans and worms along the seabed. Due to habitat loss, it’s now critically endangered.
25. Snakehead Fish (Channidae)
Snakehead Fish (Channidae) live in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, and swamps. They’re found mostly in Asia and Africa. Some have even spread to other places, like the United States.
These fish have long, torpedo-shaped bodies and large mouths. Their color is usually brown or green with dark spots. Their sharp teeth and scary look make them easy to spot.
Snakehead fish lay lots of eggs—sometimes over a thousand at once. They guard their babies carefully. Both male and female fish protect the young after they hatch.
They are strong predators. Snakeheads hunt smaller fish, frogs, and even birds. Their size can reach up to 3 feet, and they may weigh around 15 pounds. They’re tough and dangerous hunters.
26. Spiny Eel (Mastacembelidae)
The Spiny Eel (Mastacembelidae) is a freshwater fish with an elongated, snake-like body. It lives in muddy habitats, rivers, and lakes across Asia and Africa. It’s often hidden under sand.
This legged fish isn’t a true eel but looks like one. Its color ranges from brown to yellow with dark spots. The body has sharp spines near the dorsal fin.
Spiny Eels are bottom-dwelling species. They eat small insects, worms, and tiny fish. They lay eggs, and female spiny eels can produce hundreds of eggs at one time.
They grow up to 36 inches in length but are usually smaller. Most weigh under 2 pounds. Their long, thin shape and leg-like fins help them move smoothly along riverbeds.
27. Sea Moth (Pegasidae)
Sea Moth (Pegasidae) is a bottom-dwelling fish mostly found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially near sandy seabeds and coral reefs. It hides well using its unique flat body.
This fish looks strange and beautiful. It has wing-like fins, an armored body, and a long snout. Its color blends with sand—usually brown, grey, or yellow with patterns for camouflage.
Sea Moths are small. They grow up to 5 inches long and weigh very little. They move slowly and gracefully along the seafloor, almost like they’re gliding or crawling.
They eat tiny crustaceans, worms, and plankton. Sea Moths lay small batches of eggs, but not many at once. Their unusual look helps them hide from predators like bigger fish and crabs.
FAQ’S
What are some examples of fish that can walk?
Some can walk using fins, like the Axolotl, Walking Catfish, and Epaulette Shark. These species have strong fins to move across surfaces.
How do these fish move on land or seabed?
They use modified fins to crawl, hop, or drag their bodies. This helps fish with legs explore muddy or rocky areas in search of food.
Where do these walking fish usually live?
They live in muddy swamps, shallow reefs, rocky shores, and mangroves. Some are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
Do they breathe air too?
Yes, a few can breathe air. Species like the Walking Catfish use special organs to survive out of water for short periods.
Are these fish dangerous to humans?
Most aren’t dangerous. They’re small, shy, and prefer to hide. They use walking to avoid predators, not to chase after anything.
Conclusion
The underwater world is full of surprises. Some fish don’t just swim—they walk too. These unique creatures live in different places like muddy habitats, shallow reef flats, and rocky shores. From coastal areas to mangrove swamps, they crawl, hop, or glide across the ocean floor and seabed. Their modified pectoral fins and pelvic fins help them move in special ways. Some even show walking behavior on land for short times. These are not your everyday swimmers.
The world of fish with legs includes rare and amazing species. They have leg-like fins, strange shapes, and wild colors. Many belong to old, prehistoric fish families that show the evolution of fish. From the Red-lipped Batfish to the Walking Catfish, they live in places like the Indo-Pacific region, Sargasso Sea, and West African waters. These aquatic creatures blur the line between sea and land, showing us how wild and wonderful nature can be.
1 thought on “27 Most Popular Types of Fish With Legs”