Description

Also known as Ornate Scorpionfish, Red Blotchfin Scorpionfish, Stingfish.

Found singly, or in pairs, well camouflaged, over sandy bottoms, or resting amongst corals and sponges, over shallow, coastal lagoons, rich in coral growth.
They feed nocturnally on crabs and shrimps.
Length - 13cm
Depth - 0-15m
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.se/summary/Scorpaenodes-varipinnis.html