Leaf scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus) resting on coral. This fish inhabits the tropical reefs of the Indo-Pacific region,from east Africa to Hawaii and the Galapagos. It takes its name from its habit of swaying from side to side like a dead leaf in a current. It is a lie-in-wait predator,remaining still and using its cryptic colouration to remain undetected by predators or prey. It waits until its prey,mainly small crustaceans and fish,gets close and then engulfs it with a sudden gulp,which sucks it into its mouth. The spines along its back contain a potent toxin,which deters predators. Photographed in Malaysia | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Douwma, Georgette |
Bildgröße: | 5130 px × 3436 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |