Stone, Wasp, Lion and Scorpion Fishes
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What can I say about the Stone, Wasp, Lion and Scorpion Fishes? Besides that they are all venomous, I just simply like them. Many of the species are so common that divers tend to ignore them, until torch or video lights illuminate these fishes up. Their drappy colors would turn surprisingly vibrant, while their augmented growth is accented. One ichthyologist has educated me that almost no single fish from the Scorpaenidae & Tetrarogidae (Waspfish) Families has the same color, even from the same species. This is especially noticeable in the Stonefish and Scorpionfish subfamilies. If one closely looks at the strange patterns on their bodies, though look rather random at first, actually these patterns and colors are quite symmetrical on both sides of the body.
Many of the Stonefish and Scorpionfish have immense growth of algae, diatoms and isopods on their bodies. It is believed that the bodies of these fishes secrete substance that induce these growth, and in turn may attract other vegetarian fishes to come by. I guess, in a way, these growth acts like lures. These fishes stay motionless, and some for the entire day, patiently waiting for their next meal.
Stingfish belongs to another subfamily of the Scorpaenidae, and it has a few barbels below its chin, of which are presumably used to locate its prey. Another interesting feature of the Stingfish is its single modified pectoral ray, which is separated from the main winged-pectoral. These single rays on both pectorals are to be used as walking 'legs'.
What can I say about the Stone, Wasp, Lion and Scorpion Fishes? Besides that they are all venomous, I simply think they are so cool! Stephen Wong |
Closely related to the Scorpaenidae, Waspfish has recently been separated into a family on its own, with about 35 species. The major visible difference is that the Waspfish starts its dorsal fin arrays either directly on top of the eyes or even in front of the eyes, while the Scorpaenidae begins way behind the eyes. Scorpaenidae Family is estimated to have 45 genera and 380 species. This big family includes the super-color-variegated Scorpionfish subfamily, the super-venomous Stonefish subfamily and the super-flamboyant Lionfish subfamily.
Some species of the Scorpaenidae have false eyes on their dorsal fins or wing-like pectorals and some even on their eyebrows. These mimicries are theorized for protection purposes, and are possibly utilized to confuse predators. Some fishes use their flashy inner pectoral fins to warn off predators and rivals, while others deploy open mouth tactic, broadcasting brilliant colors, to advertise their territorial dominance.
My personal favorites are the Rhinopias aphanes and R.frondosa (Lacey and Weedy Scorpionfish respectively). They are considered by many u/w photographers to be the Holy Grail of all fish. I tried my luck in quite a number of places and dives, but with no avail. Finally, it took me 6 years to locate my first one, R.frondosa, in awesomely purplish. May be God was on my side, and on the same dive I saw its partner as well, but in flaming red color. Both fish, plus their cousin, R.aphanes can be seen in this article. These Rhinopias are so color-matched and/or camouflaged to their terrain that only with trained eyes and torchlights are able to find them.
Ambushers as well as their Lionfish relative usually are immobile or slow swimmers. Their ultimate defense is their venom, which is mostly stored in the dorsal spines. Some species even have the venom glands in other exterior spines, such as the pelvic and anal. Depending on the dosage of venom injected into one's body, the level of pain can be from small to excruciating, and sometimes fatal. Stonefish seems to be the Most Venomous Fish in the World and has caused numerous deaths. It is frequently encountered in the shallowest areas. Swimmers should beware of where to step, while we, divers, should make sure where our hands are placed.