Pretends to be a fallen leaf. Sways with current, holds the pose for hours, and cycles colour every 2 weeks.
Leaf scorpionfish are extreme mimics, they hold their thin laterally-compressed body in a leaf-like pose and sway with the current, never swimming, only drifting position over weeks. They cycle through colours over a 2–3 week period: yellow, pink, white, brown, black, slowly transitioning between hues.
Like other scorpionfish they have venomous dorsal spines, but the small size and gentle nature make them low-risk subjects. They're sit-and-wait ambush predators on tiny fish.
Reliable at Lembeh, Anilao, Bali (Tulamben), Andaman. Local guides know specific individuals, the same fish in the same coral patch for weeks.
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1 destination across SE Asia, peak seasons vary by location, so plan your trip around the right destination AND the right month.
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