1. Lacy Scorpionfish (Rhinopias aphanes)
Image Source
This unique fish occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 25 cm in length. And like other scorpionfish, it is not reef safe with shrimps and small fish though the level of care is moderate. It's a species from the Western Pacific.
Image Source
2. Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus)
Image Source
Taenianotus triacanthus is a species of marine fish which is commonly known as Leaf Scorpionfish or Paperfish. Like most scorpionfish species it has many color variants as shown below.
Image Source
It should not be put in a tank with shrimp or small fish. Leaf Scorpionfish is one of the deadliest fish in the ocean because it is extremely toxic. Extra care should be observed in dealing with this aquarium fish.
Image Source
3. Dragonfaced Pipefish (Corythoichthys haematopterus)
Image Source
This species called Dragon Faced Pipefish is from the Indo-Pacific region. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade where it is commonly grows to a size of 19.8 cm in length. It is reef safe though the care level is difficult.
Image Source
4. Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala)
Image Source
The care level of the odd-looking Tassled Scorpionfish as aquarium pet is difficult and not advisable for beginners. It is a carnivorous fish with venomous spines that lives in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It can reach a maximum length of 36 cm and can vary considerably in color. Adults are bearded with a number of tassles below the jaw.
Image Source
5. Ambon Scorpionfish (Pteroidichthys amboinensis)
Image Source
If you plan to purchase an Ambon Scorpionfish for your aquarium, it is not reef safe with shrimps or small fish. This unusual aquarium fish is endemic to the Indo-Pacific regions. It is shaggy and can change its color for the ideal camouflage. The level of care is moderate.
Image Source
The Ambon scorpionfish lives just offshore on the bottom of the ocean. It is an ambush predator and will camouflage itself, wait for some prey to come close and then lunge forward and devour the prey.
6. Weedy Scorpionfish (Rhinopias frondosa)
Image Source
As aquarium fish, the Weedy Scorpionfish is not reef safe with shrimps and small fish. Level of care is moderate. Weedy Scorpionfish are highly sought after by aquarists who collect rare and unusual species. This peculiar fish is also known as the Popeyed Scorpionfish. It is a carnivorous fish with venomous spines that lives in the Indo-Pacific region.
Image Source
It has no commercial value for fisheries, but commands a high price in the aquarium trade. It is mostly exported to Japan where it fetches a very high price.
Image Source
Image Source
It can reach a maximum length of 23 cm or 9 inches and can vary considerably in color as well as appendages depending on its environment. It is nocturnal ambush hunters, using its camouflage to prey on unsuspecting fish and invertebrates. They rarely swim, but rather move along the bottom propelling themselves with their fins.
7. Warty Frogfish (Antennarius maculatus)
Image Source
This unusual creature that is endemic to the Indo-West Pacific region occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 15cm in length.
Image Source
This picture of a Warty Frogfish is taken on Mandarin Valley dive site in Kapalai, Borneo.
8. Longlure Frogfish (Antennarius multiocellatus)
Image Source
The unique Longlure Frogfish comes in different colors and can be found in Western Atlantic from Bermuda and the Bahamas, south along the coasts of Central and South America to Brazil. It is not reef safe and the level of care is difficult.
Image Source
Like other frogfish, it uses its stalked pectoral fins and its pelvic fins to slowly "walk" across the bottom.
9. A. Pink Frogfish (Antennarius ocellatus)
Image Source
Although the Pink Frogfish from East Timor looks lovely as aquarium pet, it is not reef safe. This individual is camouflaged on the purple sponge that it sits on.
10. Painted Frogfish (Antennarius pictus)
Image Source
Painted Frogfish comes in different color variants like other frogfish. It is not reef safe and the level of care is difficult.
Hope you enjoyed this. Thank you!
