Leaf Scorpionfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
This colorful species resembles a leaf and mimics plant debris by rocking back and forth. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This lovely scorpionfish comes in many colors, including pink, maroon, yellow, and white. It is a great scorpionfish for the reef aquarium as it tends to spend time in the open.
Family: Scorpaenidae
Other common name(s):
- Leaffish
- Paperfish
- Sailfin Leaffish
- Threespine Scorpionfish
Native range:
Maximum length: 10 cm (4 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 57 L (15 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Meaty foods, including frozen seafood. May require live ghost shrimp or gut-packed livebearers (mollies, guppies) to initiate a feeding response. The best way to feed this fish in a reef tank is to train it to “jump” onto the edge of a net that contains its food.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
It will do best if not housed with overly aggressive food competitors (a species-dedicated nano-reef would make a wonderful home for this fish). They are not overly aggressive toward each other or toward other fish species, but they may spar with each other.
[edit] Notes
With its laterally compressed body and high dorsal fin it resembles a leaf or macroalgae frond. It also mimics bits of plant debris by rocking back and forth or swaying from side to side.
| Common name | Leaf Scorpionfish +, Leaffish +, Paperfish +, Sailfin Leaffish +, and Threespine Scorpionfish + |
| Family | Scorpaenidae + |
| Genus | Taenianotus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 4 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 15 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific +, East Africa +, Galapagos Islands +, Ryukyu Islands +, Hawaii +, Australia +, and Tuamotu Islands + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | triacanthus + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |