Scorpaenopsis diabolus (Cuvier 1829)

Pectoral fin rays usually 18; back arched; with about 45 vertical scale rows; lachrymal bone with 2 or 3 spines over maxillary, first points forward, followed by 1 or by 2 close-set spines which point down and back; suborbital ridge with 4 or more spinous points, usually more than 8 or 10 points, not in a row and of various sizes; a shallow pit below front corner of eye (Ref. 10482). Colorful inside the pectoral fins, used for display (Ref. 48635).

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 5 - 6

Found inshore (Ref. 75154).

Relatively an uncommon inhabitant of rubble or weedy coralline-rock bottoms of reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Feeds on fishes (Ref. 89972). Flashes its inner pectoral fins when disturbed (Ref. 9710). Can inflict a painful injury with its venomous dorsal sting. Often partly buried (Ref. 48635). Solitary or in pairs (Ref 90102).

aquarium: commercial