SCORPION FISH - CAYMAN ISLANDS - GRAND CAYMAN------------------------------I nicknamed this fellow BC because he looks like me before cappuccino in the morning. This is a scorpion fish commonly confused with the stonefish. The two species look quite different and once seen you will not confuse one with the other. The stonefish is a more round shape and looks like a rock. They in habit much different bottom terrain than the scorpion fish as well. Both species have very toxic venom in a single dorsal spine. None in other fins hence the comparison and confusion. The scorpion fish favors primarily but not exclusively rocky bottom terrain often with fringing growth on the rocks. There are numerous species ranging in size from a few inches long to about eight inches in length. The little ones are every bit as potent as the adults. Most scorpions look very similar in body structure favoring a skulpin type body shape, very big head and small tapering short body. The scorpion is a bottom dweller and does not choose to move about much. Although if disturbed or agitated it can move very quickly. For the most part they will settle down on the rocky bottom terrain of choice and wait for a meal to come to them. The scorpions adapt their coloration to the surrounding color of the terrain it has chosen. It blends perfectly into the terrain and appears to be just part of the rock, coral or vegetation, they are masters of camouflage. You really have to be careful not to settle down on one when moving about a reef area they favor. The venom will not kill you in most cases but will make you very sick in a hurry. If stung by one you should seek immediate medical attention and be administered anti toxin. I saw someone stung on the hand once and the effects were immediate. In two minutes his hand had swollen to twice normal size. Air evacuation to a hospital for treatment was required. These fish are easy to avoid once you know what to look for and the terrain they favor. They will go into sub tidal zones in very shallow rocky or reef areas often only a few inches of water. In the tropics it is common for waders to step on them and be stung and this is where most injuries from this fish take place. I have never seen a diver get stung. Coloration will range from drab army green or brown to brilliant reds oranges and golds like this one pictured. It just depends on the surrounding background each fish has chosen. Disposition is