Spotted Scorpionfish

A heavily camouflaged ambush predator that lies motionless on rubble and rock, its mottled skin and frilled flaps making it nearly invisible until it flares vivid orange-and-black pectoral fins in threat display. Venomous dorsal spines deliver a painful sting to anything that touches it — divers are cautioned to watch hand placement on unfamiliar substrate.

Rubble, rock and reef-base sand

Sedentary ambush predator; venomous spines are its primary defense