Taenianotus triacanthus Lacepède, 1802

Adult Size

At full adult size, Taenianotus triacanthus (also called the leaf scorpionfish) reaches approximately 10 cm (3.9 inches) in length.

Body Color Range

Its body color can range widely, including green, red, pink, brown, ocher, yellowish, and even pale ghostly white.

Body Shape

This fish has a body shape that is almost as flat as a leaf, and resembles a leaf in many other characteristics.

Head and Facial Features

It has a large head and a large mouth, with a dark dark running directly through its eyes.

Dorsal Fin Structure

Its large dorsal fin originates just behind the eyes, and has 12 spines plus between eight and 11 soft rays.

Anal Fin Structure

Its anal fin has three spines and between five and six soft rays.

Venom Strength

The venom of this species is considerably weaker than the venom of lionfish and stonefish.

Skin Camouflage Blotches

The skin of Taenianotus triacanthus often has blotches that improve its camouflage.

Skin Appendages and Epibionts

It has small appendages around the mouth, and sometimes real algae and hydroids will grow on its skin.

Molting and Color Change

This fish molts every 10 to 14 days, and is able to change its body color after molting.

Geographical Distribution

Taenianotus triacanthus has a wide distribution, ranging from the east African coast and the Red Sea across the tropical Indo-Pacific, north as far as the Galapagos Islands, Ryukyu Islands, and Hawaii, and also reaches the coast of New South Wales.

Habitat and Depth Range

This species lives in tropical waters on coral reefs, and can be found from shallow water down to a depth of 130 meters.