WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Papuan Scorpionfish

Scorpaenopsis papuensis

Also known as: Devilfish, Papuan Devilfish, Papuan Goblinfish, Papua Scorpionfish, Stingfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2016
Adult
@fishx6 · Lembeh Resort, Indonesia · August 20081 / 11

Showing details for the adult stage. Switch stages to see how it differs.

01

Overview

Found singly and well camouflaged, over coral and rocky areas of coastal slopes, estuaries and lagoons, rich in algae growth.

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
spikestassels

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03

Habitat & where to find it

Where the adult stage lives, and where its photos were taken.

  • Range · Pacific Ocean
  • Country only · 11
LIVES IN

Found singly and well camouflaged, over coral and rocky areas of coastal slopes, estuaries and lagoons, rich in algae growth.

04

Adult photos 11

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. familyScorpaenidae
    6. genusScorpaenopsis
    7. speciesScorpaenopsis papuensis (Cuvier, 1829)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Rockfishes (Scorpaenidae)