False stonefish or devil scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis diabolus from Indonesia
Photos Ros Morgenrood
This species of scorpionfish prefers weedy rubble or sandy bottoms, down to 70 m, and is rarely found on reefs. As with most scorpionfishes, they rely on camouflage and can usually be approached quite closely if done so carefully, dashing away at a remarkable speed if it feels threatened. Apart from fleeing, and the usual poisonous dorsal spines, this species has another unusual defense mechanism: the inner surface of its pectoral fins are brightly coloured, and are flashed at potential predators in order to surprise them.
The species is widespread in the Indo-Pacific, and occurs in southern African waters, although it is rare. It attains a length of 22 cm.
Smiths' Sea Fishes, MM Smith and PC Heemstra, 1986.
Coral Reef Fishes, E Lieske and R Myers, 1999.