All fish / Synanceiidae

Devil Scorpionfish

Inimicus didactylus

Also known as demon stinger, bearded ghoul, spiny devilfish, walking goblin, devil stinger, sea goblin, goblinfish, popeyed sea goblin, オニダルマオコゼ, 双指鬼鲉, 鬼鲉

This is a lumpy, well camouflaged ambush predator with an upturned mouth and eyes, and its pectoral fins have free rays that it uses to walk across sand. It often buries itself until only its eyes show, and when disturbed it flashes brightly coloured inner pectoral fins. Keepers like it for its odd look and its unusual walking behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

18 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Keep alone or as a single pair

Diet

Carnivore: live or thawed shrimp, fish and squid offered on a feeding stick

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: South China Sea, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines to Vanuatu

Breeding

It scatters eggs that float in open water, and the larvae drift as plankton. It has not been bred in home aquariums.

Good to know

Its dorsal spines carry a strong venom that can cause very painful stings, so handle it with care and keep an emergency plan ready. It will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to fit in its mouth and needs a deep sand bed.