Taenianotus

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Taenianotus is a small, leaf-shaped fish in the scorpionfish family. It is a monotypic genus, with the only species Taenianotus triacanthus, commonly called the leaf scorpionfish, paperfish, sailfin leaffish, or threespine scorpionfish.

It has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution, from East Africa and the Red Sea across tropical waters to Hawaii, the Galapagos, the Ryukyu Islands, and Australia. Adults reach about 10 cm in length. Colors vary from green, red, pink, brown, ocher, and yellow to pale white. The body is very flattened and resembles a leaf, with a large head and mouth and a dark line through the eye. The dorsal fin is long, starting behind the eyes, with 12 spines and 8–11 soft rays; the anal fin has 3 spines and 5–6 soft rays. The skin often carries blotches and may host algae or hydroids, aiding camouflage.

Taenianotus triacanthus molts every 10–14 days and can change color after molting. To blend in, it drifts like a dead leaf and makes gentle sideways pelvic movements to appear inert. It is an ambush predator, waiting for small fish or shrimp, then luring them with a quick mouth opening. It eats small crustaceans, fishes, and larvae. The venom is weaker than that of lionfish or stonefish.

Habitat-wise, this species lives on tropical coral reefs from shallow waters down to about 130 meters.