False Stonefish (species: Scorpaenopsis diabolus) in Cook Islands (Gaia Guide)
Cook Islands > Animalia > Vertebrata > Actinopterygii > Scorpaeniformes > Scorpaenopsis diabolus (gallery)
Scorpaenopsis diabolus
False Stonefish


©John Turnbull: False stonefish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus)

©Damaris Torres-Pulliza

©J.E. Randall: Photo taken at Philippines, Batangas, Luzon.

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Scorpaeniformes
Family Scorpaenidae
Genus Scorpaenopsis
Species Scorpaenopsis diabolus

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Colours

                             

Distinguishing features

A well-camouflaged scorpionfish with a humped back. Inner surface of pectoral fins brightly coloured, exposed only when alarmed.

Size

  • Up to 30 cm (Standard length)

Depth range

  • From 1 m to 70 m

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

It can be found in marine environments.

Local abundance

  • Lizard Island: Rarely seen but that may be due to its good camouflage

Web resources

Danger

  • requires treatment - Venom injected via spines along body.

References

  • Caley, M.J. (1995). Reef fish community structure and dynamics: in interaction between local and larger-scale processes? Marine Ecology Progress Series, 129: 19-29. LIRS catalog number 448.