False Stonefish (Juvenile) (Scorpaenopsis Diabolus)

Also known as Devil Goblinfish, Devil Scorpionfish, Devil Stonefish, False Firefish, False Goblinfish, False Rockfish, False Scorpionfish, Hump-backed Scorpionfish, Stonefish

Description

Also known as Devil Goblinfish, Devil Scorpionfish, Devil Stonefish, False Firefish, False Goblinfish, False Rockfish, False Scorpionfish, Hump-backed Scorpionfish, Stonefish.

Found singly or in pairs, blending into their surrounds, over coral, rock, rubble, and weedy bottoms of reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs. This Scorpionfish has a large head that merges into the landscape very well. The tiny Scorpionfish was about 5cm in length!
They feed on small fish.
Length - 28cm
Depth - 1-70m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Scorpionfish are masters of camouflage, enabling them to lie in wait for their victims to come close, before lunging forward and inhaling their prey with their large mouths.
When disturbed they raise the spines along their backs and will usually move off out of harms way, however, if cornered they are able to charge at considerable speed.
Highly dangerous and poisonous with venomous spines along its back if trodden on etc. Ref: https://www.fishbase.de/summary/4921

Related creatures

Heads up! Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the False Stonefish (Juvenile). Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

False Stonefish

False Stonefish

Read more…

2 comments

  1. Posted by Joe
    June 26, 2017 at 15:58 pm - 1 person found this useful.

    I found what I believe is a devil scorpion fish at the Kewalo Pipe dive site here in Oahu on Saturday 24 June. I didn't see any confirmed sightings on your map for Hawaii. I have video of it at 2.7k resolution. I can pull photo from if you want to have a confirmation.

Leave a comment

Known Sightings / Photograph Locations

Share this: