Chinese Scientists Startled by Fish 'Moonwalking' Above Indonesian Waters

Chinese scientists have discovered an unusual creature on the floor of the South China Sea, near Indonesia’s northern maritime border. A Chinese research team found a species of fish that walks backwards in a manner reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s moonwalk.

The armoured searobin was successfully filmed in the South China Sea, revealing thick, rigid fins.

These fins serve as the fish’s means of locomotion, even allowing it to hop with jerky movements when threatened.

The researchers also managed to observe two other armoured searobin species at depths of 350 to 500 metres, according to Science Alert on Tuesday (8/9/2026).

The movement produced by the fish indeed appears awkward. However, researchers said it is the fish’s way of hunting prey by touching sediment mounds or rocks on the seabed.

To maintain balance, the fish appears to use two pectoral fins that extend sideways.

The research team from Sun Yat-sen University used the crewed submersible Shenhaiyongshi to conduct its observations, along with the remotely operated vehicle Haiqin.

The researchers also found indications that the S. engyceros species may have only recently settled in its dark habitat. One of the fish’s eyes was seen staring at the approaching submersible’s light beam before it eventually moved away.

‘This raises the question of whether this species has not yet been settled in the dark habitat for long, because the ability to detect light has not been completely lost,’ the researchers said.

‘Or whether this species perhaps moves up into shallower waters occasionally,’ they added.