Red Velvetfish

Fish > Gnathathanacanthidae & Red Velvetfishes

The Red Velvetfish (Gnathathanacanthus goetzeei) is an extraordinary and bizarre marine teleost endemic exclusively to the temperate coastal waters of southern Australia. Occupying its own distinct monospecific family, Gnathathanacanthidae, this solitary reef dweller...

Velvet Parachute

Fungi > Marasmiaceae & Parachute Mushrooms

The Velvet Parachute (Marasmius elegans) is one of the most vividly colorful and charismatic agaric fungi native to the ancient eucalyptus forests of Australia. Resembling an exquisite, glowing amber umbrella sprouting from the damp woodland floor, this saprotrophic...

Big-belly Seahorse

Fish > Pipefishes & Seahorses

The Big-belly Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis), commonly referred to as the pot-bellied seahorse, is the undisputed giant of the seahorse world, reaching monumental lengths of up to 14 inches (35 cm). Inhabiting the cold, nutrient-rich coastal waters of southern...

Australian Sea Lion

Mammals > Marine Mammals

The Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) is Australia’s only endemic pinniped and one of the rarest sea lion species on Earth. Inhabiting the wave-swept granite shores, limestone cliffs, and offshore islands of South and Western Australia, this charismatic...

Tasmanian Giant Crab

Invertebrates > Crabs

The Tasmanian Giant Crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas), known colloquially as the giant deep-sea crab, is one of the heaviest and most colossal crustaceans on the planet, surpassed in leg span only by the Japanese giant spider crab. Inhabiting the perpetual, freezing...