Spotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) is another interesting fish found in the tropical waters of the Caribbean and around Bonaire.

These are one of the largest and most common of the Scorpionfish family located in the region. They can grow up to between 7 and 15 inches (18 to 38 cm) and can be found at a depth between 5 and 50 feet (2-15 metres).

These fish are masters of camouflage! It can be very difficult to spot one as they have a variety of different brown colors which make them blend exceptionally well into the reef. They also have characteristic skin flaps which cover their heads and fleshy plumes over their eyes. They derive their name from the white spots dotted on the black on the inside of their pectoral fins.

Their ability to blend into the reef is their main key to predatory success, as they wait on the floor till their prey (mostly other fish and crustaceans) comes in the vicinity of their large wide cavernous mouth, which they use to snatch up their targets. The Scorpionfish creates a vaccuum when it opens its mouth that enables it to snatch up its prey at lightning fast speeds. Most of its unsuspecting victims won’t even have the slightest chance to react. There was a case recorded of one genus within the Scorpionfish family, the Stonefish, which executed its complete attack in 15 milliseconds!

They also have a strong defense system apart from their camouflage, in the form of venomous glands found at the base of their dorsal fins, which they use to inject their venom into predators through dorsal spines. Their venom is mostly not fatal to humans, but you should still seek immediate medical attention if they sting you. To ease the pain you can pour hot water over the wound.

An interesting fact about these fish is that due to lying motionless for long periods of time, they often have algae, parasites and other bacteria that inhabit their skin. They solve this problem by shedding their outer layer of skin from time to time to get rid of the unwanted residents.