When it comes to marine camouflage, the competition is stiff. From shape-shifting octopuses to sand-burrowing fish, there is an amazing variety of skillsets when it comes to concealing their presence from predators — and prey. Two of the most masterful users of their camouflage are stonefish and scorpionfish.
Stonefish and scorpionfish hail from two families of the same order, Scorpaeniformes, which also includes lionfish, sculpins, and sea robins, among others. Fish that fall under this order are almost always venomous, and stonefish and scorpionfish contain some of the world’s most potent toxins.
These masters of camouflage are very similar in appearance, with an array of dorsal spines that act as needles for envenomation. Once triggered (usually accidentally), venom is injected into the victim in varying amounts, which can result in anything from a painful reaction to death.
Stonefish and scorpionfish are so effectively camouflaged by their appearance, they expend little physical energy hunting their prey. Their mottled and knobby skin texture covered in algae-like fuzz combined with their complete stillness allows prey to get just a little too close — and SNAP!
In 1/100 of a second, the mouths of these creatures protrude outward and balloon up, creating a vacuum that sucks the hapless victim inside. Just as quickly as it happened, the predator returns to a neutral position, lying in wait for the next snack.
Check out this awesome video depicting the amazing camouflage and ambush techniques of stonefish and scorpionfish!
