Sneaky Menace

Just look at that beauty. This, my friends, is a scorpionfish. One of the sneakiest, most aggravating of all reef fish. Sorry, do I sound biased?!? It must be because 2 years ago my foot had an intimate encounter with a scorpionfish (or perhaps a stonefish, I'm not sure which because I never saw the bugger). The encounter can be summed up in one word: AGONY. You do NOT want to get in contact with any of its fin spines, as they are all tipped with poison (OK, based on the level of pain, it was more likely a stonefish. But I'm now biased against all scorpaenids).

But even I have to admit, this is a gorgeous fish.

  

 

But what gives, scorpionfish? Why be venomous AND extremely well camouflaged?!? I understand the use of venom, it keeps you safe -- but most venomous animals advertise the fact with gaudy coloration (like your cousins the lionfish). And I also understand the need for good camouflage for an ambush predator like yourself. But what's the point of having BOTH strategies? That's just.... waaayyyy too sneaky.

 

PS Please compare the butt-ugly face  of a scorpionfish with clam (not sure of the ID - maybe the jewelbox clam Chama?). The similarity is pretty cool.