Spiny Waspfish
Ablabys macracanthus
Also known as: Spiny Cockatoo, Spiny Cockatoo Waspfish, Spiny Leaf Fish
- Spiny Cockatoo
- Spiny Cockatoo Waspfish
- Spiny Leaf Fish
Overview
Found singly or in pairs, rocking in the current during the day, over sand, rubble, and weedy bottoms, of shallow reefs.
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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-West Pacific
- Country only · 9
Found singly or in pairs, rocking in the current during the day, over sand, rubble, and weedy bottoms, of shallow reefs.
Adult photos 9
Discussion
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Deep dive
More in the family
Waspfishes (Tetrarogidae)





