The leaf scorpionfish or paperfish, ''Taenianotus triacanthus'', is a species of marine fish, the sole member of its genus.
Similar species: Mail-cheeked Fishes
By Patomarazul
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Uploaded Dec 23, 2018. Captured May 27, 2018 12:12 in Paudean, South Lembeh, Bitung City, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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"The Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus), also known as the Paperfish, is a non-migratory ray-finned fish in the Scorpaenidae family. It is quite variable in color and has a compressed body and a sail-like dorsal fin. Fine appendages form a "beard" around its mouth, and it has venomous spines along its back and fins. Leaf Scorpionfish venom is much weaker than that of the lionfish or stonefish but can still pack quite a painful sting.
Distributed from the Indo-Pacific to east Africa and the Red Sea, the Leaf Scorpionfish lives in reef flats, current-swept channels, and the edges of reef slopes at depths of 5 to 135 meters. It prefers areas of the reef within surges as they are better suited for capturing prey.
As a benthic ambush predator, the Leaf Scorpionfish has a rather interesting approach to hunting. Not only does it utilize its own built-in camouflage, but it also employs a novel form mimicry in which it creates a swaying motion with its body that closely resembles that of floating leaves or algae. Unsuspecting prey (often small fish or shrimp) fall victim to this ruse when they move too close to the well-camouflaged Leaf Scorpionfish. Once the prey are within range, they are promptly sucked into the hungry predator's mouth! {Spotted by JungleDragon moderator, Patomarazul ( Marta Rubio Texeira ), in Indonesia.}" Posted 6 months ago
Posted 6 months ago