Cockatoo fish

Ablabys taenianotus

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

15.0 cm

Color

Variable red to brown to …

Depth Range

1-78m

Family

Tetrarogidae

About

A dramatic Indo-Pacific leaf-fish (8-12cm) with a tall, fan-like spiny dorsal fin resembling a cockatoo's crest. Masters camouflage by rocking like a dead leaf. Found on reef margins and sandy shallows; ambush predator.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	15.0 cm
Depth Range	1-78m

Coloration

Variable red to brown to pale cream body with irregular darker mottling; a dramatically tall crest-like dorsal fin is the key identifier; sways back and forth mimicking detritus; can change color gradually.

Habitat & Distribution

Coral reefs

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

1-78m

Geographic Range

Indo-Pacific from East Africa and the Red Sea east through the Indian Ocean to southern Japan, Indonesia, and the Marshall Islands. Mimics a dead leaf on reef rubble, seagrass, and weedy coastal substrates to 80 m.

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

A leaf-mimicking waspfish occasionally kept in marine aquariums; not consumed. Venomous dorsal spines and unusual swaying behavior make it an aquarium curiosity rather than a food fish.

Taxonomy

Order	Perciformes/Scorpaenoidei
Family	Tetrarogidae
Species	Ablabys taenianotus

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Cockatoo fish?

A leaf-mimicking waspfish occasionally kept in marine aquariums; not consumed. Venomous dorsal spines and unusual swaying behavior make it an aquarium curiosity rather than a food fish.

How big does Cockatoo fish get?

Cockatoo fish can grow up to 15.0 cm long.

Where is Cockatoo fish found?

What family does Cockatoo fish belong to?

Cockatoo fish (Ablabys taenianotus) belongs to the family Tetrarogidae in the order Perciformes/Scorpaenoidei.