Lacey Scorpionfish

Rhinopias aphanes is a Scorpionfish from the Western Pacific.

Description

The Lacey Scorpionfish can be recognised by its distinctive head shape, the large upturned mouth, dangly tentacles on the snout and the species varies in colour from yellow to brown, purple, green or black and is covered by a maze-like pattern. This species is a master of camouflage and blends in very well with its background and quite often can be seen hiding under plate corals and ledges on coral reefs. It also remains well disguised when hiding in amongst crinoids as it blends in with the fine fronds of the feathery invertebrate. It grows to a length of 25 centimetres (9.8 in) TL.

Distribution

Western Pacific: only in the Coral Sea and adjacent waters; collected from Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and northeastern Australia.

Habitat

Information on this species is based on three specimens of Rhinopias aphanes that were collected from Australian waters and compared to a previously recorded Holotype. This species is thought to be a benthic fish, resting on the sea floor. It has been observed that they are very reluctant to leave the bottom and rarely swim. Rather, they locomote using walking and hopping-like movements using their pelvic and pectoral fins. The prey of Rhinopias aphanes consists of small fish. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.