A leaf rocking gently in the water, this might seem like nothing interesting, but for the observant viewer a great find. Slight rocking movements and the resemblance of a leaf; the leaf scorpion fish (Taenianotus Triacanthus). In Padangbai we find the leaf scorpion fish in Blue Lagoon on the last big rock before the north of the wall at a depth of about 16 meter, it would be our pleasure to guide you there!
Leaf scorpion fish are ambush predators feeding on small fish, larvae and shrimp. They are suction feeders, this means they open their mouth incredibly fast creating a pressure difference between their mouth and the surrounding environment, sucking the prey in with the water flowing into their mouth.
Leaf Scorpion fish have 15 spines that contain venom, the venom is not as potent as some other scorpion fish, but make sure to not touch them though.
If you dive Padang Bai more often it will seem that the population changes every time you visit but this is not true, leaf scorpions fish shed their skin about every two weeks, which can cause them to change colour entirely!
This week we are going to Padang Bai again, hoping to see the leafies again and all the other amazing creatures that can be found around there, such as goatfish, wasp fish (often confused with the leaf scorpion fish), cuttlefish, nudibranches and many more!
Join dive with Two Fish and experience the beautiful underwater life in Amed.
