Description

Also known as Coral Croucher, Gumdrop Coral Croucher, Gumdrop, Gumdrop Goby, Orbicular Velvetfish, Pacific-spotted Velvetfish, Red-speckled Coral Goby, Scarlet-spotted Velvetfish, Spotted Coral Croucher, Velvetfish.

Found wedged between branches, of living Acropora corals, over shallow reef crests, in exposed moderate surge zones.
They feed on coral mucous, and snapping shrimps.
Length - 5cm
Depth - 0-15m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

As with all scorpionfish these fish have venomous spines although there sting is more like a bee sting!

Coral Crouchers are typically shy and cryptic, they hide between branching corals and do not venture far from their home. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Caracanthus-maculatus.html