Description

Also known as Coral Scorpionfish, Firefish, Goblinfish, Shortfin Goblinfish, Shortfin Rockfish, Short-finned Scorpionfish, Short-spined Scorpionfish, Shortfin Scorpionfish,Stingfish.

Found singly or in pairs, well camouflaged over sandy bottoms, of coastal reefs and slopes of outer reefs, rich in coral growth. Very distinctive with wide white band behind head.
They feed crustaceans and small fish.
Length - 12cm
Depth - 3-50m
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: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/4915