Weedy Scorpion Fish found at Kapalai

Yes, it's true! The elusive Rhinopias frondosa was found today! By our SWV 'fish watching guide' Desmond. We hope it doesn't move too far so that we can share it with our other divers.

For many of us 'experienced' guides, this is the 1st time we have met this species. We will continue our research dives and hope to find even more wonderful creatures to share with all of you. 

                                   Photo by: Andy Chia (SCUBAZOO Images)

A most amazing and much looked-for species of scorpionfish, closely related to, but much rarer than the spectacular Lacy Scorpion Fish. Weedy Scorpionfish are usually pinkish or orangish, sporting broad, fan like pectoral fins and a characteristically upturned snout with leaf-like appendages on the lips and "eyebrows": all together, the grotesque head - which is disproportionately large in relation to the body - looks like that of a wild boar. The skin is very rough and covered with weed-like tassles, being periodically shed in one piece. Individuals are location-specific and will keep to the same small area for many years. (Ref: A diver's guide to Underwater Malaysia Macrolife, Andrea & Antonella Ferrari).