The Red-Lipped Batfish, scientifically named Ogcocephalus darwini, inhabits the Pacific waters around the Galapagos Islands. HABITAT: The species often rests on sandy bottoms in deep water, typically at depths well beyond 30 metres or about 100 feet. The batfish catches the eye of divers and researchers alike with its unusual silhouette and its peculiar mode of movement as it roams the sea floor rather than cruising through open water. DID YOU KNOW? – It is also known as the Galapagos batfish. – It is a poor swimmer and relies on its fins to walk along the seabed. – The body is disk-shaped, a feature that helps it blend into soft substrates. – To attract prey, it uses an esca, a lure that extends from the top of its head. – It remains relatively small, growing up to about 40 centimetres or around 16 inches in length. – The red lips help other species recognize it during breeding. Beyond these traits, the batfish represents a suite of adaptations tailored to life on a sandy seafloor in dim light and persistent currents. Its flattened, circular frame sits low on the substrate, reducing water resistance and letting it stay nearly invisible as it waits for food to drift into reach. The esca acts like a small bait, drawing curious prey close enough for a quick strike. Its color, texture, and body plan work together to make it a master of ambush in a world where every wave, shadow, and ripple might signal danger or opportunity. The red lips, so striking in bright light, serve as a visual cue for potential mates and nearby fish in the dim, sandy environment where visibility is limited. This combination of shape, lure, and lip coloration makes the Red-Lipped Batfish a memorable example of evolutionary tinkering. Citation: National Geographic, Galapagos Marine Institute.