Description:

Dorsal spines: 12; Dorsal rays: 8-11; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 5-6.

A small scorpionfish with a highly compressed body with a high, long-based dorsal fin. Skin lacks scales and is covered in prickly papillae. Fine 
appendages around the mouth.  Preopercle with 2 indistinct spines. Soft dorsal fin attached to the caudal fin.

Colour: Variable colouration including white, brown, yellow and pink, often with mottling. Moults every few weeks, often changing colour following 
moulting.

Maturity: Unknown. Max length: 10.0 cm TL.
 

Inhabits reef  flats, seaward reef slopes and channels  (2-135 m).  A benthic species. Often sways from side to side with the current resembling a leaf or 
seaweed. Solitary or in pairs. Ambush predator feeds on crustaceans and small fishes. Moults every few weeks to remove algae and invertebrates that grow 
on the flanks. The moulting commences at the head and sheds in a nearly single piece.  

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not typically subject to the artisanal fishery. 
 

Venomous. Do not touch. Venom is stored in glands located at the base of the dorsal spines. 
Photographed at northwest Mahé, Seychelles.

Bray, D.J. Taenianotus triacanthus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3342 (30/09/22). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.de/summary/taenianotus-triacanthus (30/09/22). 
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021). Taenianotus triacanthus in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK
Motomura, H. & Matsuura, K. (2016). Taenianotus triacanthus. The IUCN Red List 2016: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T79800214A79800219.en. (30/09/22).
 

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Taenianotus triacanthus, Leaf scorpionfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/taenianotus-triacanthus-lacepede-1802/