|
Alternate Common Names:
leaf fish, paper fish
Family Name:
SCORPAENIDAE
Click Name for Family Profile
Size:
10 cm (3.9 inches)
Distribution:
East Africa to the Galapagos Islands, north to Ryukus and south to New South Wales, Australia.
Habitat:
This species occurs at depths of less than 1 to over 134 m (3.3 to 442 feet) on reef flats, reef channels, fore reef slopes or on lagoon reefs, in areas protected from strong water movement.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This species gets its name from its unusual form. With its laterally compressed body and high dorsal fin it resembles a leaf or macroalgae frond. It also mimics bits of plant debris by rocking back and forth or swaying from side-to-side. The overall coloration of this species can be black, maroon, red, brown, tan, bright yellow or white, with dark or light mottling. I have seen photos of a pair of bicolored specimens from the Fijian Islands; they were orange overall with bright yellow backs and dorsal fins. The coloration can change slightly as a result of shedding of the cuticle, which is quite common in this fish, or if they are moved from a light to darker background, or vice-versa. Small juveniles, which are rarely encountered in the aquarium trade, are nearly transparent.
Remarks:
References:
Kuiter & Debelius (1994), Myers (1989)
There's more information available on this species!
- SCORPAENIDAE family description
- general behaviors
- reproduction behavior
- feeding characteristics
- best places to see this fish
- interaction with divers
- in-depth feature articles
- video clips
- More!
To access the additional species profile information on this
LEAF SCORPIONFISH join CoralRealm
by purchasing an annual membership.
As a CoralRealm member you will also have full access to
all our marine life encylopedia information, our in-depth feature articles written by subject matter experts
and much more!
A full-access non-expiring membership membership to CoralRealm
is only $29.95! This one-time fee permits you access to all of our exclusive information.
For more information on how to become a CoralRealm supporter and
member CLICK HERE!
|
If you found this Marine Life Encylopedia useful, tell a friend!
 |
Frogfish Reproduction
The angling behavior of frogfishes is legendary. But there reproductive
behavior is equally as fascinating. This one-of-a-kind CoralRealm guide
includes video, photos and loads of text describing all that is known,
including new information, on frogfish reproduction.
|
 |
The Warty Frogfish
The warty frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) is a less commonly
encountered species from the Indo-west Pacific. Learn how to tell it
apart from its close kin and learn about its biology.
Included in this feature are numerous photos of this frogfish species
as well as a captioned photo gallery.
|
 |
The Pom-pom Frogfish - A New Species?
Is there a new species of frogfish lurking in the waters of Secret Bay, Bali? We will investigate this question in this installment of Field Notes.
|
 |
The Ultimate Frogfish Guide
Frogfishes are some of the most bizarre and spectacular of all the reef
fishes, having fascinated ichthyophiles for centuries. Purveyors of the
rare and unusual travel to distant parts of the world to see and photograph them.
That's why we've created The Ultimate Frogfish Guide!
|
 |
Randall's Frogfish
If you have a frogfish fetish like the author, you will not want to miss this one. Learn about this rarely seen little frogfish from the western Pacific. Includes photos!
|
 |
Angling for Dinner - Reef Fishes that Lure
Have you heard about the eel that has a lure on its toungue? Learn about this species and some of the other lesser-known luring reef fishes in this article.
|
 |
Gone Fishing!
The frogfishes are well-known for their angling behavior. But few
observations have been made on their luring behavior in the wild. Until now! Check out these exciting new discoveries and see photos documenting their unusual hunting methods.
|
 |
Aussie Angler's
|
|
Encyclopedia Species Profile 404
