Its vibrant colours and stripes help the devil firefish (Pterois miles) blend into its coral environment. Even when spotted, its colouration sends a warning to predators to stay away because it is venomous. Most predators are intimidated and wisely choose to pursue an easier, less painful meal.
The devil firefish is very well adapted to its coral reef environment.
Another obvious adaptation is its long fins and spines. When approached by a predator, it spreads its fins out to show off its colouration and appear too big to eat.
Since it is slow-moving, it relies heavily on its venomous fins and spikes to deter predators from trying to eat it. The spines contain venom glands that produce acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is a strong neurotransmitter toxin that is used by the devil firefish to defend itself from predators. When acetylcholine enters the bloodstream, it paralyses skeletal muscles in fish that causes extreme pain, paralysis, and will cause the fish to die within minutes.
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