Leaf Scorpionfish, Taenianotus triacanthus Lacépède, 1802

Scientific name: Taenianotus triacanthus
Alternative name/s:
Paperfish, Three-spined Scorpionfish
Leaf Scorpionfish, Taenianotus triacanthus Click to enlarge image
A Leaf Scorpionfish at a depth of 20 m, reef 40 km south-east of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, August 2004. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Taenianotus
    Species
    triacanthus
    Family
    Scorpaenidae
    Order
    Scorpaeniformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 10 cm in length.

Introduction

The colouration of the Leaf Scorpionfish is variable, ranging from white, through pinks and reds to green. The species periodically sheds its skin.

Identification

The Leaf Scorpionfish has a very compressed body and a sail-like dorsal fin. It has a variably developed 'beard' of fine appendages around the mouth. The colouration of the Leaf Scorpionfish is variable, ranging from white, through pinks and reds to green.

Distribution

The Leaf Scorpionfish has a widespread distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is known from off north-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country, and south to northern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Other behaviours and adaptations

The species periodically sheds its skin.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
  3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  6. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.