Meet the devil scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis diabola, also known as the devil stone or goblinfish.
This well-camouflaged, venomous species crawls around on the seabed using claw-like extensions of its fins, and is equipped with highly venomous spines.
If disturbed, it will raise its dorsal spines and back off, but may charge rapidly if cornered. The venom is highly toxic and causes extreme pain, which can be exacerbated by immersion in very hot water.
These fish are found singly or in pairs on coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, where they blend into their surroundings.
Devil scorpionfish can reach almost 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, and live down to 70 meters (230 feet) below the ocean surface.
They feed on small fish and invertebrates, lying in wait until their prey is nearby. Then they lunge forward and engulf the victim in one bite. You can see a predation event in this video.
Matthew Oldfield is a freelance photographer based in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in editorial and documentary images from both above and below the waves. He works primarily with charities, NGO’s, and other organizations working to conserve the environment, endangered species, and disappearing cultures.
This well-camouflaged, venomous species crawls around on the seabed using claw-like extensions of its fins, and is equipped with highly venomous spines.
If disturbed, it will raise its dorsal spines and back off, but may charge rapidly if cornered. The venom is highly toxic and causes extreme pain, which can be exacerbated by immersion in very hot water.
These fish are found singly or in pairs on coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, where they blend into their surroundings.
Devil scorpionfish can reach almost 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, and live down to 70 meters (230 feet) below the ocean surface.
They feed on small fish and invertebrates, lying in wait until their prey is nearby. Then they lunge forward and engulf the victim in one bite. You can see a predation event in this video.
Matthew Oldfield is a freelance photographer based in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in editorial and documentary images from both above and below the waves. He works primarily with charities, NGO’s, and other organizations working to conserve the environment, endangered species, and disappearing cultures.
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