Stone Scorpionfish

The stone scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri mystes) is a master of deception, disguising itself as a rock, clump of vegetation, or piece of coral. Loose flaps of skin and scale help it blend into the bottom, where it will wait motionless for prey to swim past. It can also change colors from grey to purple to red in order to better hide. The spines along it's dorsal fin contain a painful poison. However, they are not aggressive and remain motionless if approached. They are fairly common, but often difficult to spot. It's Spanish name is brujo, or "warlock."