Why are scorpaeniform fishes especially diverse in warm tropical seas?

Scorpaeniform fishes are most diverse in warm tropical seas, where they are particularly well-represented in the shallow waters of the continental shelf. In these tropical environments, many species—especially those in the family Scorpaenidae—are found in close association with [coral reefs].1

This high diversity is linked to the specialized ecological niches available in these habitats. Tropical scorpaeniforms are typically bottom-dwellers that rely on remarkable cryptic coloration and body shapes to blend into their surroundings, such as coral or rocky bottoms, which helps them ambush prey. The complex structure of coral reefs provides a wide variety of such backgrounds, supporting a broad range of camouflaged species. While they are not fast swimmers, these fishes are highly effective predators that use their large pectoral fins to perform swift pounces on smaller fishes and crustaceans.21