Macro
Weedy scorpionfish (Rhinopias)
Rhinopias frondosa
An ornate, weed-like scorpionfish that sways in place to mimic drifting algae and sheds its skin to stay clean. A high-priority target for macro photographers and among the harder critters to find. Colours span red, purple, yellow and brown.
- Max size
- ~23cm
- Habitat
- Rubble and reef edges on slopes
Best places to dive with Weedy scorpionfish (Rhinopias)
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Found on muck sites like Mucky Mosque throughout the diving season; presence varies dive to dive and depends on guides knowing current individuals.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Ambon is one of the more reliable places in Indonesia for rhinopias, reported in yellow, red, pink, blue and brown at the Laha slopes and at the site guides call Rhino City. Guides track individual fish between dives, so ask on arrival whether any are currently being seen — presence varies week to week rather than by season.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Occasionally found in Anilao and a top target for photographers, but a genuinely lucky, scarce sighting.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
A sought-after but unpredictable find; sometimes present at sites like Nudi Falls for days, then absent for weeks.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- Lembeh Strait Diving, Sulawesi, Dive The World