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  1. Fish Identification

Stonefish or Scorpionfish?

First, the disclaimer: I am not a trained marine biologist or taxonomist. I have learned from one of the best, however, in that I have taken course work and participated in research projects with Dr. Kate Moots, one of the few remaining classically-trained marine biologists in the world. In fact, Kate is likely one of the foremost experts (perhaps THE foremost expert) on fish at the transition zone between the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea (the demarcation of which passes right through Saipan). Also, I tend to spend more time than I can justify looking up the fish I see (a quirk that I can also partially thank Dr. Moots for developing), and my diving friends have found me to be a reasonably knowledgeable "go to" person when they want to know what types of fishes they have seen. As you look through this album, if you have any questions, please ask them in the Comments area below, and then check back later for my responses. I'll do my best to usually answer within a day or two. If you have a question, chances are someone else may benefit from you asking it. Please use language suitable for family viewing in all your comments (or your comment will be deleted pronto). You may also email me at optimimagery@gmail.com. As the name suggests, this album deals with distinguishing between two very often-confused types of fishes, the scorpionfish and the stonefish. I hope that you enjoy learning about their differences and how to tell them apart.
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Scorpionfish include a few different species, each slightly different from the others.  There are two easy ways to distinguish between the scorpionfish and the stonefish.  The first is mouth position:  Scorpionfish mouths face forward, the way you likely think a mouth SHOULD face, as you can see in the photo above.  Now look back at the first photo in this album.  Scorpionfish or stonefish?<br />
<br />
A:  It is also a scorpionfish.
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Scorpionfish include a few different species, each slightly different from the others. There are two easy ways to distinguish between the scorpionfish and the stonefish. The first is mouth position: Scorpionfish mouths face forward, the way you likely think a mouth SHOULD face, as you can see in the photo above. Now look back at the first photo in this album. Scorpionfish or stonefish?

A: It is also a scorpionfish.

070728scorpionfish

  • Two of the more fascinating types of fishes around Saipan are the scorpionfish and the stonefish.  Interestingly, even though the former outnumber the latter by many times, many of the locals incorrectly use the term "stonefish" to refer to any individual of either type.  Neither will attack or threaten a person.  However, both are poisonous if a careless person accidentally steps on one or brushes up against one and gets stung by any of the very sharp spines.  Indeed, the stonefish has the most deadly marine fish venom known, and has been known to result in loss of limbs and occasional death.  Scorpionfish venom, while much less toxic, could still be lethal to a person who happens to be allergic.
  • Scorpionfish include a few different species, each slightly different from the others.  There are two easy ways to distinguish between the scorpionfish and the stonefish.  The first is mouth position:  Scorpionfish mouths face forward, the way you likely think a mouth SHOULD face, as you can see in the photo above.  Now look back at the first photo in this album.  Scorpionfish or stonefish?<br />
<br />
A:  It is also a scorpionfish.
  • Compared to stonefish, scorpionfish also are "leaner" and more "fishlike" in appearance.  Mike is looking at a scorpionfish in this photo.
  • Now, contrast the body appearance and mouth position in the previous scorpionfish photos with that of this stonefish.  The stonefish tends to have an almost "fat hog"-like appearance (one fish I.D. book I have actually describes the stonefish appearance as "hideous").  Notice also the mouth of this hideous rascal:  See how the opening is vertical, or actually perhaps even slightly backward.  In other words, the hinge of the jaw is beneath, or actually slightly anterior (toward the front of the beast) to the opening of the mouth.
  • Here you can get a better idea of that extremely upturned mouth.  This guy may sit totally still for hours, waiting for a smaller fish to swim in front of it.  Then, when he takes a bite the mouth shoots open like lightening and he suddenly GULPS water (and fish), then closes his mouth instantly.  If you are lucky enough to see one feeding, the little fish will be there, then will pretty much seem to instantly vanish.
  • OK, now there is ONE species of scorpionfish which tries to complicate things a little.  The Diablo, or Devil scorpionfish has a mouth which is significantly turned up.  However, it is NOT vertical.  It opens at an upward angle, but still faces forward.  These guys seem to have the interesting habit, also, of walking along the bottom on their pectoral fins.  While taking photos, I have had them just keep walking right up against the camera!  They seem totally oblivious to the thought of letting a diver get in their way.  It's like they know full well that we humans are going to give them whatever right-of-way they want.  And, of course, we do!
  • Now it's TEST TIME!  Answers are in the caption of the last photo.  #7.  Scorpionfish or stonefish?
  • #8:  Scorpionfish or stonefish?
  • #9.  Scorpionfish or stonefish?
  • #10.  Scorpionfish or stonefish?<br />
<br />
<br />
Answers:<br />
#7.  Scorpionfish<br />
#8.  Stonefish<br />
#9.  Scorpionfish<br />
#10.  Scorpionfish (Diablo or Devil scorpionfish)<br />
<br />
How did you do?  Please let me know if you found this interesting, and if you see how I can improve this.  Leave comments with the photos, or send me an email at optimimagery@gmail.com!  Also, if you enjoyed this, try the following album:  <a href="http://optimimagery.com/gallery/7977074_hNC8C/1/518325983_MNVtk">http://optimimagery.com/gallery/7977074_hNC8C/1/518325983_MNVtk</a>
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