Common name : Merlet’s scorpionfish,
Weedy scorpionfish
Scientific name : Rhinopias aphanes
Family : Scorpaenidae
Native to : Western Pacific Ocean
Interesting fact : Lacy scorpionfish wait for the prey to come close and inhale it after lunging forward.
Conservation status : Not Evaluated
Aptly named, the lacy scorpionfish is lacy, with a large upturned mouth and tentacles on the snout. The spines on its back are venomous. These fish come in colours like yellow, brown, purple, green or black with a maze-like pattern, blending in with the background. It grows up to 30 cm long. This nocturnal creature feeds on fish and small invertebrates.
