The genus Scorpænopsis differs from Scorpæna in the absence of palatine teeth. It is still more fantastic in form and color. Scorpænopsis cirrhosa, Scorpænopsis fimbriata, and other species are widely distributed through the East Indies and Polynesia.
The lion-fishes (Pterois) of the tropical Pacific are remarkable for their long pectoral fins, elongate dorsal spines, and zebra-like coloration. The numerous species are fantastic and handsomely colored, but their poisoned, needle-like spines are dreaded by fishermen. They lurk in crevices in the coral reefs, some of them reaching a foot in length.
Inimicus japonicus, common in Japan, has a depressed and monstrous head and a generally bizarre appearance. It is usually black in color but is largely bright red when found among red algæ. A related species, Inimicus aurantiacus, is blackish when near shore, but lemon-yellow in deep water. (See frontispiece.) A related species in the East Indies is Pelor filamentosum, called Nohu or Gofu in Polynesia.
Fig. 373.—Lion-fish or Sausolele (the dorsal spines envenomed), Pterois volitans (Linnæus). Family Scorpænidæ. (From a specimen from Samoa.)
Still more monstrous are the species of Synanceia, short, thick-set, irregularly formed fishes, in which the poisoned spines reach a high degree of venom. The flesh in all these species is wholesome, and when the dorsal spines are cut off the fishes sell readily in the markets. These fishes lie hidden in cavities of the reefs, being scarcely distinguishable from the rock itself. (See Fig. 168, Vol. I.)
The black Emmydrichthys vulcanus of Tahiti lies in crevices of lava, and could scarcely be distinguished from an irregular lump of lava-rock.
Fig. 374.—Black Nohu, or Poison-fish, Emmydrichthys vulcanus Jordan. A species with stinging spines, showing resemblance to lumps of lava among which it lives. Family Scorpænidæ. From Tahiti.
A related form, Erosa erosa, the daruma-okose of Japan, is monstrous in form but often beautifully colored with crimson and gray.