Scorpionfish

Photo: luismartinezartola · CC BY-NC

The red scorpionfish is a masterpiece of camouflage, sitting motionless on rock surfaces — often in plain sight — and relying entirely on its mottled red and brown skin to remain invisible until prey blunders within strike range. At Ile de Riou, large individuals are found at most depths from the shallows to the base of the wall. Their venom-laden spines are purely defensive but deliver a painful sting; divers who look carefully before placing hands will encounter them without incident.