Scorpionfish
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- Name / Latin
- Scorpionfish — —
- Brief description
- The scorpionfish is one of the most venomous yet inconspicuous members of marine fauna. These predators prefer to stay hidden and are skilled at blending into their surroundings. Coloration ranges from dull brown and yellow to bright red and orange. More than 200 known species of scorpionfish live in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Size:
- up to 25 cm
- Depth:
- down to 30 m
- Habitat:
- Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Red Sea, Andaman Sea
- Family:
- Scorpaenidae
- Type:
- Fish
- Activity:
- Nocturnal
- Conservation status:
- Not Evaluated (NE) — species has not been assessed on the IUCN Red List.
The scorpionfish is one of the most venomous yet inconspicuous members of marine fauna. These predators prefer to stay hidden and are skilled at blending into their surroundings. They often lie in wait for prey on the reef top, where they can easily merge with the environment. Coloration ranges from dull brown and yellow to bright red and orange. These colours match the reef well and allow the fish to use feathery fins or skin flaps for better camouflage among corals.
More than 200 known species of scorpionfish live in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with the highest numbers in warm, coral-rich areas. Diving among scorpionfish offers a unique chance to watch their behaviour, but it is important to be cautious and keep a safe distance, as their venomous spines make them among the most dangerous creatures in the ocean.
