The ocean is home to colourful fish and breathtaking natural beauty. Some species have a wide range of colours and are very beautiful, but they act and look mysteriously. In their natural environment, they hide from predators in cracks, holes, caves, and other similar structures.
Some species remain stationary, altering their colour or employing other strategies to blend in with their environment, enabling them to successfully capture and attack their targets. The scorpionfish is one of those fish that have these traits. This species is one of the most vibrant fish in the deep.
Common Scoprpionfish (Scorpaenodes gaumensis)
Usually found when turning over dead coral pieces in shallow lagoons or well-protected reef flats, this small, secretive species is 12 cm long. Different species that look a lot alike can be told apart by a big dark spot on the gills. In certain regions of the Indo-Pacific, it is prevalent and abundant.
Shortfin Scorpionfish (Scorpion parvipinnis)
A small species (85 mm long) that is usually seen at night on sponges or along the edges of reefs where algae grows thickly. The large pale area behind its head identifies it. Spread out The species is found throughout the Indo-Pacific, with depths ranging from 10 to 50 metres and a maximum length of up to 85 mm.5 mm long.
Blotchfin Scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes varipinnis)
The species is 12 cm long and well-hidden. It lives on coastal reefs up to 20 metres deep and sometimes on jetty poles with lots of sponge growth. The fish has a dark hue and features red dots on its head and fin bases.
Paper Scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus)
Lives in clear coastal to outer reef habitats at shallow depths up to a reported 135 meters. Colours can range from white to bright yellow and pink to dark purple-brown to suit the environment. Recognised by its flat body and sail-like fin over the back, but easily overlooked. Often seen on top of corals or next to sponges. This species is also found in large numbers in the Indo-Pacific. It’s 10 cm long.
Smallscale Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala)
This is the biggest scorpionfish in the Maldives. You can find it on protected reefs from a few metres down to about 20 metres deep. This fish is about 35 cm long. It is most often seen at night, when it is out in the open. This variation could be because artificial lights make the fish’s colours stand out more.
