Leaf scorpionfish and rhinopias

The leaf scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus) is a small predator. It belongs to the Scorpaenidae family according to the World Register of Marine Species and has a flattened body that helps it look like a fallen leaf. It relies heavily on this shape to blend into its surroundings. You can find them in striking shades of white, pink, yellow or black.

Rhinopias is one of the most prized finds in muck diving. Rhinopias frondosa is often called the weedy scorpionfish and is heavily ornamented with weed-like appendages. You will typically find this species in rocky or coralline habitats near algae at depths of 13 to 90 m. Rhinopias eschmeyeri is the paddle-flap scorpionfish and has a much smoother uniform appearance. It often resides slightly deeper at 20 to 24 m. Both can reach up to 25 cm in length. They are difficult to spot.

Both the leaf scorpionfish and the rhinopias share an unusual biological trait. They periodically shed their outer skin to clear away algae, hydroids and parasites. They also have venomous spines. Those spines are a good reason to keep your hands and knees well off the reef.

You can dive with these fascinating animals across Sabah's major muck diving destinations. In the Celebes Sea you will find Mabul and Kapalai offer excellent habitats. Leaf scorpionfish are a moderate find on the reefs here. They often sit in plain sight if you have a trained eye to spot them.

Finding a rhinopias is much rarer. They are the holy grail of muck diving and encounters are a lucky find. When a guide locates one the local dive community pays close attention because the fish tends to stay in the same small geographic area for weeks until food is exhausted. During a Semporna night dive in October 2023 a rhinopias was spotted in Mabul holding its ground against a strong current. Another was recorded resting on open sand for 20 minutes near Kapalai.

If you head north to the Sulu Sea you can also encounter leaf scorpionfish at Lankayan Island. They are regularly found at Pegaso Reef.

Mabul House Reef

Skill level: All levels The house reef at Mabul offers the perfect silty environment for these ambush predators. You can spend an entire dive exploring the artificial structures and coral blocks looking for cryptic life. Be sure to check the edges of the coral rubble where leaf fish like to settle.

Kapalai House Reef

Skill level: All levels | Max depth: 18 m The shallow sandbank at the Kapalai house reef is another highly productive area. The sloping sand and scattered coral patches provide excellent cover.

Froggy Lair

Skill level: All levels Located off Mabul is Froggy Lair. It is famous for the wealth of unusual marine life you can find there. The sandy bottom and scattered debris make it an ideal hunting ground for bottom-dwelling predators.

These fish are ultimate ambush predators. They do not chase their food. They sit still and wait for small fish or crustaceans to wander too close. The leaf scorpionfish sways side to side to mimic a dead leaf caught in the water movement.

When a meal arrives both genera use a rapid mechanism known as gape-and-suck to capture it. They open their mouths fast enough to create a massive negative pressure that pulls the prey inside whole. Because they rely entirely on remaining unseen they are very approachable. This makes them highly cooperative subjects to watch.

Macro photographers specifically book a macro and muck package to capture these animals. Once a guide finds a leaf scorpionfish or a rhinopias it will usually stay in place.

Backlighting is a highly effective technique for these subjects. Placing a dive torch or an off-camera strobe directly behind a leaf scorpionfish highlights the stunning translucence of its fins. The light reveals the intricate network of internal veins. A wide-angle macro lens works well to show the animal in its environment.

The skill required is excellent buoyancy, good lighting and extreme patience. These animals reward divers who take their time.

The golden rule for diving with these species is never to move them. Their camouflage is their only defence.

A photographer might be tempted to move a fish out of its habitat to get a cleaner background. Never move, prod or handle an animal for a photograph. Moving a subject from its carefully chosen camouflage exposes it instantly to fatal predation. If you cannot get the photograph without disturbing the animal you must leave the shot.

These fish live in fragile ecosystems. Leaving them as you found them ensures they survive to hunt another day.

Frogfish Crocodilefish Critters of Semporna Mabul Underwater Photography

To spend your dives looking for rare macro life send your dates, the names of everyone coming and your certification levels. The team will come back to you with the best resort options and what can be arranged.