Ambon Scorpionfish

Photo: Chong Wan Yong · CC BY-NC

Ambon scorpionfish are covered in elaborate filamentous skin appendages that mimic algae with extraordinary detail, making them nearly impossible to spot on the rubble and algae-covered rock surfaces of the pinnacle. Named for this location, they represent the site's unique taxonomic significance — Ambon Bay was the collection location for the type specimen used to formally describe the species. Like all scorpionfish, they rely entirely on ambush, remaining completely still for hours before the millisecond strike that ends a fish's life.