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