Leaf Scorpionfish (species: Taenianotus triacanthus) in Lizard Island area: all known taxa (Lizard Island Field Guide)
Taenianotus triacanthus
Leaf Scorpionfish


©janetsclough: Taenianotus triacanthus on the inner side of Ribbon Reef 10.

©Richard Ling: Taenianotus triacanthus at Pixie garden, Ribbon Reef 10 near Lizard Island.

©Marty Hing: Taenianotus triacanthus at one of the outer reefs near Lizard Island - very well camouflaged.
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Scorpaeniformes
Family Scorpaenidae
Genus Taenianotus
Species Taenianotus triacanthus

Colours

              

Distinguishing features

A small, laterally compressed fish with a tall dorsal fin and leafy appendages above eyes. Highly variable in colour. Usually sedentary, swaying with water movement and generally acting like a leaf.

Size

  • Up to 10 cm (Allen et al, 2003)

Depth range

  • Up to 134 m (Allen et al, 2003)

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Web resources

References

References that assist with identification

  • Allen, G., R. Steene, P. Humann and N. Deloach (2003). Reef fish identification: Tropical Pacific New World Publications Inc., Jacksonville, FL, USA.