False
stonefish
Scorpaenopsis diabolus
Family Scorpaenidae
updated
Oct 2020
Where
seen? This rock-like fish is seldom seen, usually our southern
shores on coral rubble areas near reefs or rocky shores.
Features: 15-30cm long with a
humped back. Small eyes that don't stick out of the head, with small
shallow depression near the eyes, not as large and deep as the true Hollow-cheeked stonefish (Synanceia horrida). Wide horizontal mouth on a large rather
flattened head. Large pectoral fins sometimes colourful. Spiky dorsal
fin which carries venomous stings but it is not as dangerous as the
real stonefish.
When disturbed, it waddles away awkwardly on its pectoral fins.
Sometimes mistaken for a stonefish (Family Synanceiidae) or the False
scorpionfish (Centrogenys vaigiensis), a grouper, which
looks very similar. Here's more on how
to tell apart fishes that look like stones. |
Pulau Semakau, Aug 14
Photo shared by Marcus Ng on flickr. |
Kusu Island, Sep 19
Photo shared by Loh Kok Sheng on facebook. |
Lazarus Island, Aug 12 |
Shallow depression near the eye. |
| False
stonefishes on Singapore shores |
| Other sightings on Singapore shores |
Small Sisters Island, Aug 20
Photo shared by Toh Chay Hoon on facebook. |
|
Links
References
- Allen, Gerry,
2000. Marine
Fishes of South-East Asia: A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers.
Periplus Editions. 292 pp.
|
|
|
