36th edition of Marine Life monthly post. Marine Life post published every 19th of the month. It aims to share information about the marine life species and to promote their conservation. All images in this post are taken by Indah Susanti unless stated otherwise.

Can you see there is a fish in the following image?

Rhinopias frondosa

Some scuba divers called the fish as a “gaudy” fish because of its striking pattern and spikes all over its body. Its real species name is Rhinopias frondosa and can be easily found in Ambon (Maluku, Indonesia). I have to add this gaudy fish is one of the weirdest fishes that I have ever seen. Their colors range from dark red and purple to yellow and lavender. I was lucky to see two of them in different colors. At least the lavender colored was less “weedy” than the yellow colored Rhinopias.

Rhinopias frondosa

Rhinopias is a nocturnal ambush hunter, the fish is camouflage to capture its prey: smaller fishes and shrimps. It is rarely swimming, but it moves with their fins. The fish is highly venomous and its venom can be fatal. Just stay away from touching the fish when you see one in the ocean!

Rhinopias frondosa (Weedy scorpionfish)

The fish is not a popular fish for consumption but it is a popular fish for aquarist because of its unique looks. The price of the rhinopias is not cheap, and as well its cost to care the fish. Anyone who wishes to keep the rhinopias in their aquarium has to consider its venom and as well their eating habits to eat other fishes and specific shrimps. Basically, I can buy a new camera (prime) lens for the cost of one rhinopias alone!

Some images in this blog post are for sale in its original size (4608×3456) (<5MB) without watermark. The images are free for commercial use and editing. The JPG file will be sent via email after the order. Please contact me if you have a problem with processing the order. No refund after the JPG file sent.

PB180165 – Rhinopias frondosa

$5.00

PB180200 Rhinopias frondosa

$5.00

PB180170 Rhinopias frondosa

$5.00