Fish

Leaf scorpionfish

Harmless leaf or hidden predator?

Leaf scorpionfish are solitary reef dwellers found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They don’t migrate—in fact, they don’t move around much at all. These little tricksters are specialists in fooling the eye. Check them out in the Ocean Pavilion. You might see them vanish before your eyes!

At the Aquarium

One-of-a-kind fish with lots of cousins

Leaf scorpionfish, Taenianotus triacanthus, live in subtidal rock and rocky reefs, coral reefs and rocky shorelines. Their narrow body has a ray-like, three-spined dorsal (top) fin, two strong pectoral (side) fins—and a mouth made for scooping up food. At just 4 inches long, leaf scorpionfish are among the smallest members of the large Scorpaenidae family, and the only species in their genus.

Disguised to survive

Leaf scorpionfish are hard to see—they’re designed that way. Their colorful, blotchy skin blends in with their reef habitat. Plus, they’re well-schooled in mimicking plants. Gently swaying side to side, they look to be nothing more than a decaying leaf or free-floating debris. Hiding in plain sight is a survival skill that helps leaf scorpionfish avoid predators and catch the catch of the day (keep reading to find out what they like to eat!). Or maybe they just want to be leafed alone.

They take their meals delivered

Leaf scorpionfish are carnivorous ambush predators that prefer walking to swimming. When hungry, they rely on their powerful pectoral fins to hop to a good spot on the reef, where they wait for something tasty to arrive. Their camouflage looks like food to some predators and a safe hiding place to others. But when small fish and crustaceans come near, the leaf scorpionfish’s lightning-fast jaws spring open, sucking in the prey.

Shedding skin for a change of scenery

Leaf scorpionfish can be white, yellow, pink, red, brown or green—any of the colors of their reef habitat. A heavy cloak of algae that grows on their skin also boosts their invisibility. And, about twice a month, leaf scorpionfish shed that skin in one whole piece! They emerge with new skin in fresh colors. It’s not just for looks: Shedding removes algae buildup, bacteria and parasites—so it helps leaf scorpionfish stay healthy.

Not endangered, but their habitat is at risk

Good news: Leaf scorpionfish are not listed as endangered. But there is concern about their coral reef habitats. Over half of the world’s coral reefs have been lost since 1950 and the process is speeding up. You can make a difference for coral reefs—and all the living things in our one world ocean—by raising your voice, reducing your carbon footprint and more. Visit our Act for the ocean page for details!