Identification
Permissions for Use
© Jeffrey N. Jeffords. Please remember that all photographs by Jeffrey N. Jeffords appearing on the Animal Diversity Web are copyrighted, and may not be used in any form, even on the Internet, without a licensing agreement. Exception: teachers and educators using the material in a classroom setting, students using this material for school assignments; or anyone for personal, non-commmercial use, such as screen savers. Unauthorized usage is a violation of the Federal Copyright Law. E-mail me for permission to use at this address: 
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Location
Luzon Island, Philippines
This leaf fish has coloration patterns that make it similar in appearance to an algae-covered sponge. This type of venomous fish be seen in a wide variety of colors, including pink, yellow, white (or off-white), and black, to name a few I have seen. As with other scorpionfish, leaf fish do not cruise the reef as do other fish-- they move suddenly, and only long enough to find a different perch from which to observe potential victims. Waiting patiently, they sway gently from side to side in the current, perhaps mimicking a piece of lightweight reef debris. Smaller than most reef scorpionfish, this one is about 3 1/2 inches in length, nearing its maximum length of about 100 cm (four inches). Leaf fish are also known as "paper fish".
Jeffrey N. Jeffords (photographer, copyright holder, identification)
