Leaffish & Velvetfish Field Guide
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Identification for Divers.
Leaf Fish – Taenianotus triacanthus and Cockatoo Waspfish – Ablabys taenianoyus
There are a number of common name variations for these species. The Leaf Fish with an unusually thin compressed appearance gently sway in the surge like a dead leaf. The Cockatoo Waspfish is quite easily recognized by the long sail like dorsal fin which originates above the eyes.
Phantom Velvet Fish – Paraploactis kagoshimensis
The fish has a mixture of appearence between the elongated body of wasp fish and chunkiness of the scorpion fish, all three are related. Amazingly this is a fish that can not swim as they have evolved without a gas bladder making them negatively buoyant.
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