SCORPAENIDAE Scorpion or lionfish
Lionfish like shaded areas and caves, and divers often observe them upside down or moving gracefully in vertical loops. Their fin spines are venomous and should never be handled. They can give a nasty sting, although they are not as dangerous as the stone fish. Other smaller bottom-dwelling scorpion fish are duller in colour with remarkable pectoral fins which have the appearance of scallop shells, adding to their superb camouflage. Pterois miles , Indian lionfish; Pterois russelli , Russell’s lionfish; and Synanceia verrucosa , common stonefish.
Russell’s lionfish Pterois russelli
Striking, distinctive body shape and colouration. Spots absent from fins (present in P. volitans , closely related species which also occurs in UAE). First dorsal fin filamentous. Eyes high set, and head and body feature striking vertical bars of alternate reddish-brown, ochre and brown. On coral reefs, rocky reefs, in caves and around other structures. Feeds on small fish and crustaceans. 45 cm.
Stonefish Synanceia verrucosa
Large pectoral fins look like scallop shells. Head carbuncles and filamentous. Spinous first dorsal fin. Relatively uncommon but highly camouflaged, often resting on top of rocks, unseen by divers. Occurs inshore on coral reefs and rocky substrates where it feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Poisonous and considered dangerous, particularly if touched inadvertently by swimmers or snorklers. Scorpion fish, which are similar but less venomous, are sometimes confused with the rarer stonefish, but should also be treated with respect and left well alone. 38 cm.