The leaf scorpionfish is a master of disguise, with a flattened body and trailing fin membranes that mimic drifting seaweed or debris. Reaching only about 10 cm, it hunts by remaining motionless on reef rubble or sandy slopes, relying on camouflage to ambush passing prey. Divers often spot them on deeper reefs below 20 m, where their leaf-like silhouette blends seamlessly into the background. Colours range from reddish-brown to yellow, usually matching their immediate surroundings.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Teleostei
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Scorpaenidae
- Genus
- Taenianotus
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.