Leaf Scorpionfish Profile

Other Common Names:

Three-Spined Scorpionfish, Paper Fish.

Family:

Scorpaenidae

Scientific Name:

Taenianotus triacanthus (Lacepede, 1802).

Identification:

Highly compressed body with stout pectoral fins used for walking and support. Found in a wide variety of colors such as red, pink, brown, green, orange, purple, rust, black, and undoubtedly others.

Characteristics & Compatibility:

Spines are venomous stinging and therefore should be kept and handled with great caution and care!! A master of disguise, this fish blends into its surroundings looking like, you guessed it, a leaf. It also often has patches on its body that looks similar to coralline algae that helps it blend in. It imitates a leaf or seaweed moving in the water current by rocking itself from side-to-side, sheds its skin, and can somewhat change colors. Can be kept in groups of two or three specimens in a species specific tank, which makes for a very unique display, or in a non-aggressive feeder species community.

Diet & Feeding:

Because it will most often only eat "live foods" in captivity, it does not adapt well to aquarium life. Be sure to choose appropriately sized live prey items. One suggested method for feeding this fish is to place the food in a net and move it slowly towards the fish, and strangely enough, this fish can be taught to jump into the net to capture live foods offered in it. With patience and care this fish will adapt to being fed a variety of fresh and frozen meaty fares such as fish and crustacean flesh, but the feeding of live glass shrimp or feeder fish may be needed to stimulate an initial feeding response.

Distribution:

Hawaii, Indo-Pacific, and other tropical waters worldwide.

Habitat:

Bottom-dweller that lives from shallow to deeper waters on the reef.

Average Size:

To about 4 inches.