The scorpionfish family (Scorpaenidae) contains some of the world's most venemous species. The venom is contained in the sharp spines, which can sting the unwary, including divers. Some species can be fatal.
Most species are bottom dwellers, who rest on sandy bottoms or sponges waiting for unsuspecting prey.
Ambon Scorpionfish
Scientific name: Pteroidichthys amboinensis
Stonefish
Also called: Reef stonefish
Scientific name: Synanceia verrucosa
Is that a face or what? This thing looked dead, but was definitely alive. It just wouldn't be budged from it's place on the bottom waiting for the right meal to swim by.
Spiny Devilfish
Also called: Demon Stinger
Scientific name: Inimicus didactylus
My first sighting of the Spiny Devilfish was a bit confusing. It appeared to be a fish, but it was 'walking' along the sandy bottom of the Lembeh Strait. Yes, walking, but fish don't have legs, right? Well, no, but the Spiny Devilfish does have articulated fins that allow it to walk along the bottom. Apparently, it never swims.
Smallscale Scorpionfish
Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis oxycephala
Scropionfish are usually masters of disguise, but this one can't seem to match the grassy green soft coral it's decided to rest on. You can find a lot of scropionfish on the Boonsung Wreck as well as West of Eden in the Similans.
Red Lionfish
Also called: Red Firefish, Common lionfish, Turkeyfish
Scientific name: Pterois volitans
These are quite common around Southeast Asia, but their unintentional release into the Caribbean has had a devastating impact on the sea life there, where they have no natural predators.
Ragged-finned Firefish
Also called: Broadbarred Firefish
Scientific name: Pterois antennata
Leaf Scorpionfish
Also called: Paperfish
Scientific name: Taenianotus triacanthus
Lacey Scorpionfish
Also called: Lacy Scorpionfish, Lacy Stingfish, Lacy Firefish
Scientific name: Rhinopias aphanes
I orginally mistook this for a frogfish - and I'm still not sure I've got it right, although I think I at least have it in the right group.
Flying Gurnard
Also called: Helmet gurnard
Scientific name: family Dactylopteridae
Crocodilefish
Also called: Tentacled flathead
Scientific name: family Papilloculiceps longiceps
This is one of those fish with a face that only a mother could love. The name is certainly apt, as the head and profile of the fish resembles a crocodile.