Leaf Scorpionfish

Photo: Adrie Rolloos · CC BY-NC

Leaf scorpionfish cling motionlessly to the rock surfaces at Cathedral Rock, their flattened bodies swaying gently in imitation of a drifting leaf to avoid detection by both predators and prey. They occur in multiple color morphs at this site, from pale cream to vivid pink and deep burgundy, and individual fish regularly shed their skin to maintain the illusion by refreshing their color. The enclosed formations of Cathedral Rock create low-flow microhabitats ideal for this ambush predator.