Skip to Content

The 10 Rarest Fish Living in the Remote Waters of the World

Flowerhorn cichlid.
Flowerhorn cichlid. Image by Lerdsuwa, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

Fish are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet, but some are so rare that they seem almost mythical. These fish live in remote areas, have unique features, and are often difficult to find. So, let’s explore the 10 rarest fish and what makes them so special!

1. Devils Hole Pupfish

Two devils hole pupfish.
Two Devils Hole pupfish. Image by Olin Feuerbacher : USFWS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Devil’s Hole pupfish lives in a single water-filled cavern in Nevada, making it one of the rarest fish in the world. In fact, with fewer than 200 individuals left, they are critically endangered! Their unique habitat is only about 10 feet wide and 25 feet deep. I think that it’s wild that these fish only exist in one body of water in the world, and it’s in a cavern!

2. Red Handfish

Red handfish at the bottom of the water.
Red Handfish at the bottom of the water. Image by Reef Life Survey, Rick Stuart-Smith, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

The Red Handfish is a small species found off the coast of Tasmania, Australia. Known for its “hands,” which it uses to walk along the ocean floor, this fish is incredibly rare, with only around 100 individuals believed to exist. They are particularly vulnerable due to habitat destruction and pollution. To me, this fish looks like something out of a science fiction novel!

3. Tequila Splitfin

Tequila splitfin.
Tequila Splitfin. Image by Cedricguppy – Loury Cédric, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

Native to Mexico, the Tequila Splitfin was once thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 2003. Now, it lives in freshwater rivers and lakes but faces challenges from invasive species and pollution. Conservation efforts have helped revive its population, though it remains extremely rare.

4. Adriatic Sturgeon

Adriatic sturgeon in a tank.
Adriatic Sturgeon in a tank. Image by Fernando Losada Rodríguez, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

The Adriatic Sturgeon, found in the rivers and coastal areas of the Adriatic Sea, is critically endangered. It has been overfished for its valuable roe, or egg clusters, which are used to make caviar. Efforts are being made to protect and breed this rare species in captivity so that we can enjoy seeing this creature for years to come.

5. Sakhalin Sturgeon

Sakhalin sturgeon.
Sakhalin Sturgeon. Image by Лев Семёнович (Симонович) Берг (2 (14) марта 1876 — 24 декабря 1950), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Found in the cold waters near Russia and Japan, the Sakhalin Sturgeon is another rare species often targeted for its roe. Overfishing and habitat loss have severely impacted its population, and now conservationists are working hard to protect its remaining numbers. This fish is so rare that there really aren’t many pictures of it anywhere!

6. Smalltooth Sawfish

Small tooth sawfish.
Smalltooth Sawfish. Image by Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

The Smalltooth Sawfish is a striking creature with a long, toothy snout that resembles a saw. Once common in tropical waters, it is now one of the rarest marine animals due to overfishing and habitat destruction. Additionally, it can grow up to 18 feet long, but there are few left in the wild. This fish looks like a mix between a stingray and a shark to me!

7. Coelacanth

Coelacanth.
Coelacanth. Image by Alberto Fernandez Fernandez, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

The Coelacanth was once thought to be extinct until a living specimen was discovered in 1938 off the coast of South Africa. This ancient fish has existed for over 400 million years and can grow up to 6 feet long! Only a small population survives today, mostly in the deep waters off the coast of East Africa and Indonesia. This fish sure looks like something prehistoric!

8. Chinese Paddlefish

Chinese paddlefish.
Chinese Paddlefish. Image by Alneth, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

Often called the “panda of the Yangtze River,” the Chinese Paddlefish is likely extinct, but there have been rare sightings that offer hope. When it roamed the water, it was one of the largest freshwater fish, sometimes reaching over 20 feet in length. Unfortunately, dam construction and overfishing have decimated its population, perhaps beyond repair.

9. Giant Sea Bass

Giant Sea Bass.
Giant Sea Bass. Image by Caitlin Childs, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

The Giant Sea Bass found off the coast of California and Mexico, has been overfished for decades. It can grow to over 500 pounds, making it a prized catch. However, strict fishing regulations have been put in place to protect the remaining population, which is slowly recovering.

10. Flowerhorn Cichlid

White flowerhorn cichlid.
White Flowerhorn Cichlid. Image by lienyuan lee, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

Though Flowerhorn Cichlids are popular in aquariums, their wild populations are incredibly rare. As you can probably tell, these fish are known for their bright colors and distinct hump on their heads. They are primarily found in Southeast Asia, but pollution and habitat loss have severely reduced their numbers in the wild.

Conclusion

Red handfish
Red handfish. Image by CSIRO, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

Each of these rare fish species faces a unique set of challenges, from overfishing to habitat destruction. In fact, many are on the brink of extinction, but there are ongoing efforts to conserve them. Protecting these rare fish is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of our oceans and rivers for future generations to enjoy.