Diving the Kona Coast: Devil Scorpionfish

Friday, February 8, 2013

Neat Devil Scorpionfish

There will be no diving for me this weekend as a wicked NW swell is kicking up monster surf making conditions sub-par. But, I have some kinda neat pics from last weekend of a devil scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus) that was hiding under a ledge.

Scorpionfish are masters of camouflage and are often called rockfish or stonefish based on their inanimate appearance. They remain so sedentary that algae grows all over them. They survive by employing their lightning-fast jaws which vacuum in any small fish who wanders too near.

While photographing this wonderful creature, a stout moray eel (Gymnothorax eurostus) slithered along over and behind the scorpionfish oblivious to the fact that it was a very much alive predator.

I am sorry the last photo is so blurry. I was set up for a macro shot before the eel came along and had to back up to take the photo and didn't have time to adjust the settings. Still, it shows hoe effective the camouflage of the scorpionfish is. Or perhaps how brave/foolish stout moray eels are!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Devil Scorpionfish

Here's a few photos of a Devil Scorpionfish I saw on a recent dive. These fish are a miracle of adaptation having developed camouflage that allows them to blend in perfectly with a coral rubble bottom. They are ambush predators that wait patiently for a careless fish to swim by. The scorpionfish then quickly opens its mouth which creates a partial vacuum and sucks in the fish.

Scorpionfish have venomous spines in their dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. Stepping on one will result in a painful sting. Although this fish blends in with its surroundings, when disturbed it will swim a few feet and, in the process, reveals bright orange and yellow markings on its pectoral fins which advertise its presence.

While this fish is considered unattractive by many, it is truly a underwater wonder and is a treat to see on a dive!