Weedy scorpionfish (Rhinopias)

Photo: Bernard DUPONT · CC BY

The weedy scorpionfish is the most sought-after macro subject in Lembeh and Hairball is one of only a handful of sites globally where a single dive reliably produces a sighting. Its extraordinary camouflage involves skin filaments and chromatic adaptability: individuals match the colour of their surrounding algae, switching gradually as they move across substrates. Despite toxic dorsal spines it is a sluggish ambush predator, remaining stationary for hours.