Creature of the month is the Tassled Scorpionfish

Photo copyright Tim Nicholson.
Taken on Elphinstone Reef in the Egyptian Red Sea.
Tassled Scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis oxycephala

The scorpionfish is one of the most venomous fish in the world. It has several spines linked to venom glands. The poison causes severe pain and paralysis. From earliest times fishermen have believed in the efficacy of the liver and flesh of scorpionfish applied as an antidote to the wound from the animal. In his 1943 book, Sting-Fish and Seafarer, H M Evans recommends injecting crystals of permanganate of potash to alleviate a scorpionfish sting. This is not found in your average diver's first aid kit these days. Instead immerse the wound in very hot water and get medical help as soon as possible.The scorpionfish is extermely well-camouflaged. It can change colour to match its background and has many "tassles" masking its outline. This Tassled Scorpionfish lives from 1 to at least 35 m in the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific. Lacking a swim bladder, it remains on or near the bottom. Lethargically, the fish waits for prey to pass by then opens its lower jaw and sucks its victim in.Not many animals prey on the scorpionfish, its venom deterring most. A fully grown octopus though does not seem to be affected by the spines and will envelop and eat the scorpionfish. Back to the Red Sea Gallery...
News stories about the Red Sea.Further Reading
The Underwater Photographer: Digital and Traditional Techniques, by Martin Edge, Paperback, 536 pages (2009)
Coral Reef Guide Red Sea by Ewald Lieske and Robert Myers, Collins, 384 Pages, Paperback (2004)

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Creature of the month: 3 Spot Dascyllus

Photo copyright Tim Nicholson.
Taken on Little Brother in the Egyptian Red Sea.
Anemone fish (Amphiprion bicinctus) with Threespot dascyllus (Dascyllus trimaculatus).

If you have dived in the Red Sea, Indian or Eastern Pacific Ocean, you will probably have seen three-spot dascyllus. They live on coral and rocky reefs at depths of 1 to 55 m.Youngsters often live in large sea anemones, alongside the instantly recognisable Clownfish, as in our photo. Adults though leave the anemone to congregate in small groups around prominant rocks or coral outcrops.When young, the Three-spot dascyllus does indeed have three white spots: one on each side and one on the forehead. Adult fish lose the forehead spot though, and the side spots become less distinct, the black colour of the fish becoming less intense. They are small fish, growing to just 13 cm long. D. trimaculatus is part of a complex of four species that vary in geographical ranges and colour patterns. Of these D. trimaculatus is the most widely distributed, Back to the Brothers Gallery...
News stories about coral.Further Reading
The Blue Planet, by Alastair Fothergill, Martha Holmes, Sir David Attenborough, BBC Consumer Publishing, 2001, ISBN 056-33-8498-0
The Red Sea in Egypt, Part II, Invertebrates, by Farid S Atiya, Elias Modern Printing House, 1994, ISBN 977-00-6697-4

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