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How do sculpins, flatheads, and scorpionfishes capture prey despite not being fast swimmers?
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scorpaeniform
Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa).
Although sculpins, flatheads, and scorpionfishes are not fast or powerful swimmers, they successfully capture more active prey by utilizing cryptic coloration to blend into their surroundings, allowing them to remain sedentary and hidden until an opportunity arises. When prey is within reach, these fish capture it by executing a swift pounce, using their large pectoral fins as auxiliary power units.123