Spookiest Critters – Part II

Lembeh’s myriad of critters are not only weird and spooky to look at – some of their behavioral patterns are certainly strange and spooky too! From the way they hunt to even the way they mate there is nothing “standard” or “normal” about these amazing creatures.

You may think that you know a lot already about their secretive lives but here we reveal some of the lesser known and more peculiar facts about our favorite spooky critters!

Reef Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) – Photo by Luke Gordon

 Known as the most venomous fish in the world! Their face however may look more like that of a grumpy old man than a spooky critter, however these cryptic animals are incredibly hard to find but they deliver one hell of a sting if stepped on! Using their excellent camouflage for hunting, they engulf unsuspecting prey whole if they venture too close to this spooky critter.

Ribbon Eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita) – Photo by Luke Gordon

This spook-tastic eel has the ability to change color and sex! Starting out as a black juvenile, they undergo a transformation to first turn into a male which is blue and then a female which is totally yellow. Transforming into the opposite sex in a matter of weeks is a pretty spooky!

Spiny Devilfish (Inimicus didactylus) – Photo by Luke Gordon

The spiny devilfish is the cousin of the stonefish and this is one spooky family!! They lay buried in the sand using camouflage for stealth ambush attacks. This fish also goes by the name of Indian Ocean Walkman because it very rarely swims, instead it ‘walks’ on spiny looking pectoral “legs”.

Warty Frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) – Photo by Luke Gordon

A Lembeh favourite, the frogfish. A ferocious predator and the master of camouflage. This fish has the remarkable ability to eat prey the same size or even bigger than itself – just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water…..

Reptilian Snake Eel (Brachysomophis hanshawi ) – Photo by Luke Gordon

An ambush predator that grows to over one meter long and looks like an ancient dinosaur buried in the sand! The reptilian snake eel definitely qualifies as spooky. When unsuspecting fish are within range the eel strikes and drags them away to be devoured.