Red Leaf Fish

WYSIWYG – Approx. Size: 2.00 Inches

Red Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus)

The Red Leaf Scorpionfish is a master of disguise and a fascinating addition to larger reef or FOWLR tanks. With its flattened, leaf-like body and vibrant red coloration, it drifts gracefully with the current, mimicking dead algae or detritus to ambush unsuspecting prey. Native to tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, this species is admired for its unique appearance, slow movements, and intriguing hunting behavior.

Tank Requirements

A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended, with plenty of rockwork and caves for perching. The tank should offer:

• Moderate water flow

• Stable water parameters

• Low to moderate lighting to mimic its natural shaded reef environments

As an ambush predator, it requires space to settle and hunt. A mature, well-established aquarium with pristine water quality is essential.

Color, Personality, and Hardiness

The Red Leaf Scorpionfish exhibits a striking bright red body with leaf-like appendages and a slightly translucent fin structure. It is a slow-moving, sedentary fish that spends much of its time motionless, blending seamlessly into its surroundings.

While generally hardy once acclimated, this species can be sensitive to water quality changes and stress, so it is best kept by intermediate to advanced aquarists.

Diet and Feeding

A strict carnivore, the Red Leaf Scorpionfish feeds primarily on live prey in the wild. In captivity, it requires:

• Live or freshly thawed meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, small silversides, and feeder fish (sparingly)

• Feeding via targeted feeding or feeding tongs is often necessary due to its ambush style and slow movement

Feed every 1-2 days, ensuring it receives enough food as it may refuse pellets or flakes. Patience is key during feeding, especially early on.

Tankmates and Behavior

The Red Leaf Scorpionfish is peaceful but predatory, best housed with:

• Calm, non-aggressive tankmates that are too large to be eaten

• Other scorpionfish or lionfish species in very large tanks

Avoid:

• Small fish and shrimp (which will be eaten)

• Aggressive or fast-moving fish that may stress the scorpionfish

Reef-safe with caution—it generally ignores corals but may prey on small ornamental invertebrates or crustaceans. Ideal for FOWLR or fish-only systems.