Leaf Scorpionfish Pictures, Photos, Photography

The leaf scorpionfish is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, typically on reef flats, near outer reef slopes, and in current-swept channels. The Leaf Scorpionfish lives alone and will spend most of its time hiding immobile among algae and sea grass. Just like its common name suggests, it looks like a leaf and it will move its body from side to side to look even more like a leaf swaying in the current. The body is extremely compressed with a high, sail-like dorsal fin. The soft dorsal fin is attached to the caudal fin. The pectoral fins are used to support the fish and can even be used as legs to walk over the bottom. Around the mouth, there is a more or less well developed "beard" consisting of fine appendages. The spines of the Leaf Scorpionfish are venomous. Some specimens are completely yellow to red, while others are mottled with an array of color. The body is covered in prickly papillae, and can be as long as 3.9 in.