Scorpionfish

Photo: Gianfrs · CC BY-NC-ND

The small scorpionfish or rascasse is a master of cryptic ambush on the reef top of La Vedova, sitting motionless on the gorgonian-covered rock and relying on its textured skin to merge perfectly with the substrate. Unlike Scorpaena scrofa it favours shallower, more complex terrain and is extremely common on the pinnacle's upper surface. Divers who look carefully at the gorgonian bases will find multiple individuals per square metre during close inspection.