Cladolabes
Cladolabes is a genus of marine ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Tetrarogidae, the turkeyfish or waspfish family. They are commonly known as leaf scorpionfish, leaf fish, or painted scorpionfish. These fishes are venomous, possessing sharp spines on their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins that contain a toxic venom.
Characteristics
Cladolabes species are characterized by their flattened, leaf-like bodies with a wide head and a long dorsal fin. They have a distinctive camouflage pattern, typically featuring a mix of brown, yellow, and orange hues with irregular spots and blotches. This allows them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot by prey and predators alike.
Environment and Distribution
These fish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa to the Pacific islands. They inhabit shallow reefs and rocky areas, where they spend much of their time resting on the seabed, patiently waiting for prey to pass by.
Diet and Behavior
Cladolabes species are ambush predators, relying on their camouflage and quick movements to catch prey. They primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They are solitary fish that are usually encountered alone, but they may occasionally be found in small groups.
Species
The genus Cladolabes includes the following species:
- Cladolabes bifilum
- Cladolabes brunneus
- Cladolabes caudimaculatus
- Cladolabes cristatus
- Cladolabes dimorphus
- Cladolabes erinaceus
- Cladolabes filamentosus
- Cladolabes fimbriatus
- Cladolabes lacerta
- Cladolabes persicus
- Cladolabes rubiginosus
- Cladolabes sakaii
- Cladolabes scopa
- Cladolabes spinosus
References
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