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False stonefish

Distribution : Red Sea and Indo-Pacific.

Everything looks dull on this fish resting on the seabed in Lembeh, Indonesia. Its colours blend with the rocks and rubble. When it spreads its large pectoral fins, bright colours flash on their inner surfaces. Local guides call it the flasher scorpionfish after the sudden burst of colour that transforms its outline.

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Habitat of False stonefish Habitat
Coral reef, Rocky habitat
Depth range of False stonefish Depth
1-70 m
Biological group of False stonefish Group
Ecological role of False stonefish Role
Predator

Size

Up to 30 cm

Precautions

Venomous spines: watch without touching and do not rest hands on the bottom.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The vivid pattern inside the side fins often remains hidden in the false stonefish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus) when they are folded. The bulky head and hump behind it dominate the outline. Its mouth faces upwards and its irregular body mixes brown, reddish or grey tones. Maximum size approaches 30 cm.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The species inhabits Indo-Pacific coral and rocky bottoms, including the Red Sea. It rests among rubble and algae. Encounters are documented from around one to seventy metres. Resemblance to the substrate complicates visual surveys. A site with few detected individuals does not necessarily lack fishes concealed among the reef features. Shelter and uneven surfaces matter alongside the simple label “reef”. A uniform bottom does not provide the same concealment opportunities as complex rubble.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

A long wait may precede the false stonefish’s strike. Concealed on the seabed, it lets a small fish or crustacean approach. Sudden mouth opening then sucks the prey in. This ambush hunter uses camouflage to reduce capture distance.

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False stonefish

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