The scorpionfishes are a large super-family of venomous fish, including the lionfish. stonefish, waspfish and velvetfish.
Among divers, the word scorpionfish commonly refers to the genus scorpaenopsis, and here we also include the subfamily pteroinae which includes the lionfish. Members of this group have ridges and/or spine on the head, one or two spines on the gill cover, spins on the lower cheek and 11 to 17 spines on the dorsal fin.
As the name suggests, scorpionfish have a type of 'sting' in the form of sharp spines coated with venomous mucus. The pectoral fins are well developed, and the spines of the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins all have venom glands at their base. These spines can deliver a venomous sting that can last for days and cause extreme pain, sweating, respiratory distress, and even paralysis.
Most species are bottom-dwellers, feeding on crustaceans and smaller fish and are thought to be nocturnal hunters, catching their prey by ambushing it as it swims past, swallowing it whole. Lionfish have a specialised swim bladder muscles provide exquisite control, allowing them to alter their centre of gravity to better attack.
6 species found on this page.
Mombasa Lionfish
Pterois mombasae
Pterois mombasae @ Koh Haa
The mombasa lionfish, or african lionfish, grows to 16 cm. The body comprises reddish brown stripes with alternating broad and thin dark bars separated with white stripes. This species has a dark spot on the cheek and whitish fan-like pectoral fins with semicircular bands formed of large spots and long filamentous rays.
The mombasa lionfish is solitary and can normally be found in areas with soft corals, sponges, rubble and soft-bottomed areas of sheltered reefs.
Indian Lionfish
Pterois miles
The Indian Lionfish has a white body, with numerous creamy-red or reddish-brown vertical stripes. The vertical stripes alternate from wide to very thin and sometimes merge to form a V-shape. The head has fleshy antenna and numerous fleshy appendages.
The dorsal fin spines are highly venomous and can inflict excruciatingly painful puncture wounds. The pectoral fins are wing-like with separate broad, smooth rays.
This species grows to 35 cm and is very similar to, and often confused with the red lionfish (Pterois volitans). The Red Lionfish is native to the Gulf of Thailand, and the Indian Lionfish is native to the Andaman Sea. The Red Lionfish (Gulf of Thailand) has more dorsal and tail fin rays than the Indian Lionfish.
Juveniles have black stripes and bars.
Clearfin Lionfish
Pterois radiata
The Clearfin Lionfish body has wide brown to reddish brown bars with white bars between them. Two white lines make a horizontal band on the tail base.
The thin white pectoral fin spines are quite long compared to other species and have no markings. The pectoral fin rays are thin and reddish brown.
The Clearfin Lionfish grows to 24 cm and is nocturnal, emerging at night to feed on invertebrates such as crabs and shrimps.
This species is not commonly seen around the Lanta dive sites.
Zebra Lionfish
Dendrochirus zebra
The zebra lionfish has a reddish body with 5 vertical stripes, usually orangish/black, with white spacing and grows to a maximum size of around 25 cm.
There may be alternating thin dark bars in larger individuals. The pectoral fins are large, fan-like and flare out on either side of the fish. The pectoral fins are banded dark reddish/orange and white.
This species also has a dark brown band through the eye, a large black spot on the cheek, and pale and dark bands on the dorsal-fin spines. The dorsal fin has thirteen venomous spines along its back, connected with a clear film-like membrane.
The zebra lionfish live near the sea bed, found on coral, rubble, and rock bottoms on reef flats and lagoons. This species may also be found in caves, or other dark areas under corals or inside a shipwreck, sometimes in small groups. These fish are generally slow-moving and peaceful, but can be dangerous when disturbed or attacked. The zebra lionfish feeds on small crustaceans, and is in turn preyed upon by groupers.
Bearded Scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis barbata
The bearded scorpionfish grows to 25 cm in length and is usually brightly coloured and heavily camouflaged. The body is normally dark brown or reddish in colour, with many blackish and whitish blotches. Often the bearded scorpionfish will have darker area starting behind the lower part of the eye and extending down toward the lower cheek.
This species has many fleshy outgrowths of skin protruding from the chin, giving a beard-like appearance. The space between the eyes has several ridges created by spines, and these are separated by a channel which is more than double the width of a ridge. This fish also has a moderately deep cavity in the rear portion of the upper surface of the skull, known as the occipital pit.
Often confused with the tassled scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) which has a much longer snout that the bearded scorpionfish, these ambush predators usually rest during the day, feeding at night on crustaceans and other small fishes.
Devil Scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis diabolus
The devil scorpionfish can usually be found on the seabed, on sand or gravel areas. This fish has a broad head with a wide mouth, a noticeably humped back, and a tapering body, and can reach 30 cm.
The snout length is around 1.3 to 1.5 times the diameter of the eye and this measurement can help to distinguish this species from other, similar species.
Devil scorpionfish have rough skin and numerous projections, spines, and tassels which aid with camouflage.
Colouring can be changed quickly to aid camouflage, but is typically a combination of grey and white with reddish-brown blotches. The inside of the pectoral fins are banded orange and white, with black blotches.
Find Out More
- Allen, G., Steene, R., Humann, P., DeLoach, N. (2003) Reef Fish Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-878348-36-1.
- Humann, P., DeLoach, N., (2010) Reef Creature Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications Inc., ISBN 978-1-878348-44-9
- Debelius, H. (2013) Indian Ocean Reef Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 978-3-939767-52-7.
- Debelius, H. (2004) Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-51-1
- Erhardt, H., Knop, D. (2015) Corals Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-69-4.
- Veron J.E.N., Stafford-Smith M.G., Turak E. and DeVantier L.M. (2016). Corals of the World
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