The smooth handfish (Sympterichthys unipennis) was declared Extinct by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in May 2018, then again in March 2020, making it the first fully marine fish species to be designated as such.

Why are smooth handfish extinct?

Researchers claim that the smooth handfish is now extinct primarily due to the destruction of the habitat for the fish -- primarily by gruesome fishing practices. ... However, most of the time, the soft handfish would often get trapped in these scallops nets.

How many handfish are left in the world?

It is thought that there are fewer than 70 Red handfish and no more than 3000 Spotted handfish left in the wild.