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False
scorpionfish
Centrogenys vaigiensis
Family Serranidae
updated
Aug 10
if you
learn only 3 things about it ...
It is small and well camouflaged. Look carefully to find
one.
This harmless fish is easily mistaken for a scorpionfish.
It
hides among seaweeds and under stones. Watch your step! |
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Where
seen?
This small scorpionfish wannabe is commonly encountered on some of
our shores, among coral rubble and seagrass areas.
What are false scorpionfishes? These
fishes belong to the Family Serranidae
which includes the groupers. True scorpionfishes belong to the Family
Scorpaenidae.
Features: To about 15cm, but those seen usually about 4-10cm.
Like scorpionfishes, the false scorpionfish has prickly dorsal spines
that can poke inquisitive fingers. But false scorpionfishes lack true
venom glands and simply cause wounds. Unlike scorpionfishes, the false
scorpionfish does not have spines on its head. The nostrils have large
fringed flaps, and the dorsal fin starts well behind the eyes. But
in other respects, they are similar in habit and appearance.
Sometimes mistaken for stonefishes
and scorpionfishes.
Here's more on how to tell apart fishes
that look like stones.
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Changi, Jun 06

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What
does it eat? It eats small fishes, shrimps and crabs,
hunting during the day.
Human uses: Sometimes taken
for the aquarium trade. |
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It has nose flaps!
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False
scorpionfishes on Singapore shores

Sisters Island, Sep 10
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Sisters Island, Sep 10
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Sentosa, Oct 03

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Chek Jawa, Jun 03

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Sentosa, Jul 05

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