The highly camouflaged and aptly named leaf fish (Taenianotus triacanthus: 20 cms.) is - like all scorpionfish - an ambush predator. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Thin and flat, its unusual appearance includes a very large dorsal fin, which is almost as big as the body and extends from the top of the head to the anal fin. Its ability to blend into local environments is enhanced by its bloched appearance, which can include algal growth. It engulfs passing and unsuspecting small fish and crustaceans by very rapidly opening its mouth, thereby sucking them in. Balinese waters, Indonesia.

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Size: 3999px × 3038px
Location: Near Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
Photo credit: © Terence Dormer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: adventure, ambush, bali, camouflage, coral, creation, diving, fish, indonesia, leaf, life, marine, natural, paper, predator, reef, scorpionfish, scuba, selection, spines, taenianotus, trd5143, triacanthus, underwater, venomous