Tropical Reef Fishes. Gerald Allen

This slow-swimming predator relies partly on stealth and camouflage to sneak up on unsuspecting victims, usually small fishes, which are quickly sucked into the mouth with a vacuum-cleaner action. It is sometimes seen hovering vertically with its head aiming downwards. This position gives it the appearance of an innocuous bit of stick or weed, and is perfect for launching a rapid, downward attack. The trumpetfish family contains only three species. Their maximum length is about 80 cm.

      Smallscale Scorpionfish

      Scorpaenopsis oxycephalies

      Family: Scorpaenidae

      Scorpionfishes are masters of disguise. Their excellent camouflage blends exceptionally well with the surroundings. They are "lay and wait" predators, which can remain motionless for hours, patiently waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass within close range of their cavernous mouth. Their usual food consists of small fishes and crustaceans; which are swallowed whole in a single, lightning-quick gulp. The 30-cm-long Smallscale scorpionfish is one of the larger coral reef-dwelling members of the family. It lives in a variety of habitats, but is most frequently seen in clear water on outer reef slopes. The colour is variable, depending on depth and surroundings. Fishes from deeper water (below about 15 m) tend to be reddish, whereas those from shallow depths are often brown or greenish. The filamentous skin flaps on the head and body help to enhance its disguise, appearing like a growth of stubbly sea weed. The family gets its name from the venomous dorsal, anal and pelvic fin spines.

      Leaf Scorpionfish

      Taenianotus triacanthus

      Family: Scorpaenidae