20 photos -
6 species
Introduction
They are poor swimmers and mainly stay on the substrate.
Prey is sucked in by the lightning-fast opening of the mouth.
Venomous.
Scorpaena plumieri
Spotted scorpionfish
Maximum length: 45 cm
Depth: 2 - 15 metres
Tail fin with three dark bands,
the most common scorpionfish in coral reefs
and found on all bottom types.
It is a master of camouflage, resting motionless on the bottom
and blending in with its surroundings.
Photos 1 - 3 Astrid: Bonaire Caribbean
Scorpaenodes caribbaeus
Reef scorpionfish
Maximum length: 5 - 12.5 cm
Depth: 1 - 20 m
Spotted breast - rear back - anal and caudal fins.
Dark to reddish-brown spotted body.
Hides on the ceiling of shallow caves, under overhangs and in sheltered places.
Not shy as it relies on its camouflage.
Photo 1 Astrid: Bonaire Caribbean
Photo 2 Johnny: Bonaire Caribbean
Scorpaenodes tredecimspinosus
Deepreef scorpionfish
Maximum length: 6.5 cm
Depth: 1 - 80 m
Widespread but rarely seen fish found on deep coral reefs and coral-covered slopes.
Photo 1 Johnny: Bonaire Caribbean
Scorpaenopsis barbata
Bearded scorpionfish
Maximum length: 22 cm
Depth: 3 - 30 m
During the day they lie motionless,
relying on their perfect camouflage and poisonous fin rays.
At night they lie in wait for fish,
which are grabbed in one swift movement and swallowed whole.
Photo 1 Johnny: Elphinstone Egypt
Photo 2 Astrid: Hurghada Egypt
Photo 3 Johnny: Bali Indonesia
Scorpaenopsis diabolus
False stonefish, False scorpionfish or Devil scorpionfish
Maximum length: 22 cm
Depth: 5 - 70 m
Not a common inhabitant of rubble or algae-covered coral bottoms,
reef platforms, lagoons and outer reefs.
This species has a colourful underside of the pectoral fins
in a brilliant yellow, orange and black.
Photos 2 - 4 Johnny: Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi
Photos 5 + 6 Johnny: El Qesir Egypt
Photos 1 + 7 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Scorpaenopsis oxycephalus
Tasseled scorpionfish or Small-scaled scorpionfish
Maximum length: 35 cm
Depth: 2 - 60 metres
This species has a flatter head and more skin filaments than the bearded scorpionfish.
Photos 1 - 3 Johnny: Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi
Photo 4 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt