WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Cockatoo Waspfish

Ablabys taenianotus

Also known as: Australian Red Cockatoo Waspfish, Cockatoo Fish, Cockatoo Leaf Fish, Cockatoo Rougefish, Leaf Fish, Redskinfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2024
VenomousKeep your distance
Adult
@fishx6 · Lembeh, Indonesia · August 20081 / 21
01

Overview

Found singly or in pairs, rocking in the current during the day, over sand, rubble, and weedy bottoms, of shallow reefs. The Cockatoo Waspfish can be recognised by its long sail-like dorsal fin, which originates above the eyes.
They feed nocturnally on tiny crustaceans, by ambushing their prey pretending to be a dead leaf.

Waspfish can be distinguished from the Leaf Fish that belongs to the Scorpionfish family, by the dorsal fins that begin above or in the front of the eyes.
Most species sway back and forth to mimic debris as they wait for their victims to venture close.
Extremely venomous.

02

How to identify

COLOURS
Body shape
leaf
Fins & Tail
sail fin

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Eastern Indian Ocean
  • Country only · 21
LIVES IN

Found singly or in pairs, rocking in the current during the day, over sand, rubble, and weedy bottoms, of shallow reefs.

04

Adult photos 21

05

Discussion

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    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderPerciformes
    5. familyTetrarogidae
    6. genusAblabys
    7. speciesAblabys taenianotus (Cuvier, 1829)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Waspfishes (Tetrarogidae)