WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Indian Leaf Fish

Ablabys binotatus

Also known as: Cockatoo Rougefish, Indian Ocean Waspfish, Redskinfish

Adult
@designedforx · KE, Kenya · May 20161 / 1
01

Overview

Found singly, or in pairs, often rocking back and forth to resemble a leaf, on shallow, soft bottoms, amongst algae, sponges and weeds, of seaward reefs.
They feed nocturnally on benthic fish and invertebrates.

Although related to Scorpionfish these are entirely harmless.

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.

02

How to identify

COLOURS
Pattern
speckled
Body shape
leaf
Fins & Tail
sail fin

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Western Indian Ocean
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found singly, or in pairs, often rocking back and forth to resemble a leaf, on shallow, soft bottoms, amongst algae, sponges and weeds, of seaward reefs.

04

Adult photos 1

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. familyTetrarogidae
    6. genusAblabys
    7. speciesAblabys binotatus (Peters, 1855)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Waspfishes (Tetrarogidae)