Hong Kong Corals & the Associated Marine Life

This species is quite common in local waters, turkey and lionfish. It sometimes occurs on shallow coral communities but more often inhabits exposed rocky reefs to at least 15 m depth. The spines are poisonous and should be avoided.

Inimicus species are members of the scorpionfish family (Scorpaenidae) like the common Marbled rockfish,  Sebastiscus  marmoratus. They are characterised by long and extremely venomous dorsal spines, protruding eyes and 2 or 3 free rays at the front of the pectoral fin that can be used to pull the fish over the sand. Inimicus didactylus is one of five Inimicus species known from South China Sea although this is the first species recorded from Hong Kong.

It is characterised by the large pectoral fins with numerous dark brown spots and wavy blue lines near the margins. Three Dactyloptena species were recorded in Hong Kong, but this species is the only one that can be observed in shallow water.