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.

Titan Scopionfish
(Scorpaeopsis cacopsis)

This is also known as the Uglyface Scorpionfish. It is the largest of Hawaii's Scorpionfish. It will lie motionless on rocks or sand. It is easy to overlook in spite of its mottled reddish body. Its lower jaw is curtained with orange and red fringes and its body and fins are covered with short appendages that help it fade into the background. These appendages may harbor algae or other growths. It can easily be distinguished from the common Devil Scorpionfish by its size, color, flaps under the chin and lack of a hump.

Devil Scorpionfish
(Scorpaeopsis diabolus)

This fish has a noticeable hump on its back and pectoral fins that are a beautiful bright yellow and orange underneath. These colors are evident only when the fins are in use, and it has been disturbed and has to move. This flash of yellow should be taken as a warning to leave it alone, or else. The body color itself is of variable drab to fit in with its surroundings. Its skin may possible harbor algae or other growths.