Leaf Scorpionfish
Taenianotus triacanthus
Sighting evidence at Cathedral Rock, Batangas
Photo: Shigeru Harazaki · © all rights reserved
Leaf scorpionfish cling motionlessly to the rock surfaces at Cathedral Rock, their flattened bodies swaying gently in imitation of a drifting leaf to avoid detection by both predators and prey. They occur in multiple color morphs at this site, from pale cream to vivid pink and deep burgundy, and individual fish regularly shed their skin to maintain the illusion by refreshing their color. The enclosed formations of Cathedral Rock create low-flow microhabitats ideal for this ambush predator.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Leaf Scorpionfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.