Sargocentron cornutum
Family: Holocentridae
Although very abundant on coral reefs, squirrelfishes are seldom noticed by snorkellers. They remain hidden deep in the shadows of caves and crevices during daylight hours. Shortly after sunset they begin to emerge for nocturnal feeding. Because most of the reefs fish occupants are active during the day many invertebrates, particularly crustaceans and echinoderms, have evolved a strategy to avoid them by coming out to feed at night. Squirrelfishes have adapted night-time feeding to take advantage of this behaviour. They mainly consume crustaceans, particularly small crabs and shrimps.
Squirrelfishes are easily recognised by their red coloration, coarse scales and large eyes. Another remarkable feature is their ability to produce clearly audible "clicking" sounds, believed to function as a form of communication between members of the school. Most species, such as the Spotfin squirrelfish, are less than 25 cm when fully grown, but the largest attains 45 cm.
Trumpetfish
Aulostomus chinensis
Family: Aulostomidae
The bizarre Trumpetfish is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from Africa to the Americas. Its peculiarities include an elongate body, tubular snout, and a small barbel or chin "whisker". The colour pattern is largely greenish or brownish with diffuse pale stripes and bars, but it can quickly change its colours to blend with the surroundings. Occasional individuals are bright yellow. It occurs solitarily in most reef habitats, including inshore shallows and outer reefs to depths of over 100 m. This slow-swimming predator relies partly on stealth and camouflage to sneak up on unsuspecting victims, usually small fishes, which are quickly sucked into the mouth with a vacuum-cleaner action. It is sometimes seen hovering vertically with its head aiming downwards. This position gives it the appearance of an innocuous bit of stick or weed, and is perfect for launching a rapid, downward attack. The trumpetfish family contains only three species. Their maximum length is about 80 cm.
Smallscale Scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis oxycephalies
Family: Scorpaenidae
Scorpionfishes are masters of disguise. Their excellent camouflage blends exceptionally well with the surroundings. They are "lay and wait" predators, which can remain motionless for hours, patiently waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass within close range of their cavernous mouth. Their usual food consists of small fishes and crustaceans; which are swallowed whole in a single, lightning-quick gulp. The 30-cm-long Smallscale scorpionfish is one of the larger coral reef-dwelling members of the family. It lives in a variety of habitats, but is most frequently seen in clear water on outer reef slopes. The colour is variable, depending on depth and surroundings. Fishes from deeper water (below about 15 m) tend to be reddish, whereas those from shallow depths are often brown or greenish. The filamentous skin flaps on the head and body help to enhance its disguise, appearing like a growth of stubbly sea weed. The family gets its name from the venomous dorsal, anal and pelvic fin spines.
Leaf Scorpionfish
Taenianotus triacanthus
Family: Scorpaenidae
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