Fin's Fish Guide
The Coral croucher (Caracanthus unipinna) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The pygmy coral croucher is a small fish of the coral croucher family (Caracanthidae), related to the scorpionfishes, from the Indo-West Pacific. The species is small and has a stocky, laterally compressed, velvety body that blends in among the branches of branching corals. It lives permanently hidden among the branches of certain stony corals, such as Stylophora and Acropora, and almost never leaves this refuge. It feeds on small zooplankton and small crustaceans. The dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound; treat a sting with hot water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Coral croucher?
The Coral croucher has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Lives permanently hidden among the branches of stony corals and hardly ever leaves this refuge; venomous fin spines.
Where does the Coral croucher live?
The Coral croucher lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; among the branches of branching corals.
How big does the Coral croucher get?
The Coral croucher grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Coral croucher dangerous to humans?
The Coral croucher is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Coral croucher edible?
The Coral croucher is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Caracanthus
More from the family Scorpaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Coral croucher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Coral croucher is one of 12,519 species in the app.