These are slow moving or sedentary carnivores often with venomous spines that can give a painful sting. Some are masters of camouflage and others are conspicuous by their colors and enlarged fins. Most are like the former. Punctures can cause extreme pain, suffering and even death (not in Hawaii). Stepping on or touching a camouflaged scorpionfish is always possible when around the reef. The Devil Scorpionfish looks like parts of the rock or coral. The Lionfish lurks upside down on roofs of caves or under ledges where you may brush against it.

Flying Gurnard
(Dactyloptena orientalis)

This fish is also called the Helmet Gurnard. This fantastic animal does not fly; it crawls along sandy bottoms using its specially modified fringe-like spines on their pelvic fins. When disturbed, it will spread its wings, an enormous pair of pectoral fins, to enhance its apparent size and blend in with the bottom. When relaxed, these wings are folded around is armored, box-like body.