First Modern Extinction of a Fish Species: The Smooth Handfish (Sympterichthys unipennis)

The recent confirmation by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has marked the extinction of the last remaining individuals of the Smooth Handfish (Sympterichthys unipennis). This represents the first recorded extinction of a fish species in modern times. The decline and ultimate extinction of the Smooth Handfish were attributed to habitat degradation, negative environmental changes, human activities, and pollution. Discovered in the southeastern waters of Tasmania between 1800 and 1804, the Smooth Handfish was one of the 14 handfish species that used pectoral fins to “walk” on the seabed, lacking swim bladders to control buoyancy. Since this species could only survive in its natural habitat and could not be bred in captivity, the image above remains the sole specimen we have of this species from the 1800 expedition.

The loss of the Smooth Handfish underscores the alarming state of species survival in our modern era, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the detrimental effects of human actions on the natural environment. It is not the last time we will witness the extinction of a fish species during this era, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts and increased awareness regarding the fragility of our shared ecosystem. The tolling of the warning bell resonates once again, urging humanity to recognize and address the devastation caused to both nature and the coexistence of diverse living organisms.The extinction of the Smooth Handfish, the first fish species to disappear in modern times, highlights the pressing conservation challenges we face. Its loss can be attributed to habitat degradation, environmental changes, human activities, and pollution. This event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect and preserve the natural environment and biodiversity. By understanding the causes and consequences of this extinction, we are called upon to take collective action to safeguard our planet’s ecosystems and prevent further irreparable losses in the future.