Yellow Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus Triacanthus)

Species Name : Taenianotus Triacanthus

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 4"

Venomous : Yes

Origin : Indo-Pacific 

Family : Scropaenidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus Triacanthus), is native to the Indo-Pacific Oceans. Its name derives from its leafy appearance due to its general leaf-like shape and coloration.

The Leaf Scorpionfish has a thin body with a high, prominent dorsal fin, and frilly appendages above the eyes. They can be brown, yellow, red and a number of other variations, thought yellow and brown are the most common. It has poison glands attached to the dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines. The spines of this fish are venomous and can deliver an unpleasant sting, so it is important to be very careful when aquarium maintenance is carried out inside the tank. 

The Leaf Scorpionfish should ideally be kept in an aquarium with plenty of live rock. It uses the live rock for hiding as well as for perching while looking for food. Using an aquarium smaller than 30 gallons is not advisable.

Tank mates should be passive fish including other Leaf Fish. This species is normally kept in groups consisting of 2-3 Leaf Scorpionfishes and it can be combined with other peaceful fishes in a friendly community aquarium. These fish are generally safe in reef aquariums as they do not eat corals or polyps, but take extra care to know where the fish is located as they may blend in very well with the rocks and corals. Do not keep these fish with shrimp, crabs or fish small enough to be eaten.

These fish are voracious predators. Most species will wait for potential prey to come close before snatching it for a meal. Lionfish and Scorpionfish can be fed a variety of frozen and prepared meaty foods like shrimp, clams, scallops, krill and other similar foods, but some may need live food like small feeder fish or ghost shrimp to trigger a feeding response. Those that dwell in rock or on the bottom of the aquarium may need to be target fed with tongs or a feeding stick to make sure they get adequate amounts of food. This fish has a fairly small mouth and can only eat small animals.

Size: Small; 1-1/2" to 2" Medium; 2" to 3" Large; 3" to 4"