32. Red-Lipped Batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini)
The red-lipped batfish is a bizarre bottom-dweller with a flat, triangular body, bright-red lips that look like it’s wearing lipstick, and leg-like fins it uses to “walk” along the seafloor. Found only around the Galápagos Islands, it measures about 10 inches long and has a built-in fishing lure on its nose.
Its lipstick pout and awkward walking style shock adults more than kids. Instead of swimming gracefully, it struts on modified fins like a clumsy penguin. The red lips may help it attract mates in the dim light. Adults who figured all fish simply swam are amazed by this “makeup-wearing” creature that evolved legs just to stroll the ocean floor in search of snacks.
