Ambush predators, also called sit-and-wait predators, are carnivorous animals that get to their meals by stealth or by strategy rather than by speed or by strength. Ambush predators sit and wait for prey, often from a concealed position and, in the case of our marine candidates here, concealing themselves by different methods of camouflage. Blending in has created some remarkable features, giving these creatures quite unique looks.
As one would expect from animals specialised to suck their prey in, their heads and in particular their mouths are quite large in comparison to their overall body size. By opening their mouth quickly, they create a sucking motion strong enough to catch and swallow their prey in one bite.
Some ambush predators, like the frogfish, even lure their prey closer which is called aggressive mimicry. Others, like scorpionfishes, add short and rapid movements to broaden their striking distance. All of these fashion monsters have one attitude in common: Whenever their prey comes close enough, they just suck it up.
Look into their eyes:







Fashion monsters in details: How they pull it off
All of these ambush predators are pretty proud of their appearance, after all, "They got the look". So take a look for yourself and admire the creatures in detail and read a little more about their lives of sitting, waiting, wishing:
- Ambon scorpionfish: A shaggy Elvis
- Cackatoo waspfish: Punk's not dead
- Devil scorpionfish: Sinister style with venom
- Frogfish: The odd one out
- Leaf scorpionfish: Elegant and timeless
- Stonefish: Venomous touch