WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Filamented Devilfish

Inimicus filamentosus

Also known as: Barred Ghoul, Bearded Ghoul, Caledonian Stinger, Devilfish, Devil Scorpionfish, Filament Devilfish, Filament-finned Stinger, Indian Ocean Walkman, Popeye Sea Goblin, Red Sea Walkman, Sea Goblin, Stingfish, Twostick Stingfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2018
VenomousKeep your distance
Adult
@jpc · Eilat, Israel · February 19981 / 3
01

Overview

Found on, or partially buried, in sand, over rubble, and sandy bottoms, of coral reefs. Very colourful when wings extended.

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.

02

How to identify

Pattern
blotches
Body shape
spikeswings

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03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Western Indian Ocean
  • Country only · 3
LIVES IN

Found on, or partially buried, in sand, over rubble, and sandy bottoms, of coral reefs.

04

Adult photos 3

05

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderPerciformes
    5. familySynanceiidae
    6. genusInimicus
    7. speciesInimicus filamentosus (Cuvier, 1829)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Stonefishes (Synanceiidae)