Scorpaenopsis venosa (Cuvier, 1829)
Raggy scorpionfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 95 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to Papua New Guinea, north to Taiwan (Ref. 11441) and the Philippines, south to the Great Barrier Reef (Ref. 33390). Also reported from the Saya de Malha Bank (76-95 meters) (Ref. 55723).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Adults are best recognized by the tiny light-blue ocelli scattered over the body, and dark triangle below the eye. Small juveniles have three distinctive white spots along the back (Ref. 48635). A deep quadrangular occipital pit, its anterior edge, as viewed dorsally, with a slight ridge. A low ridge on each side of pit between tympanic and parietal spines. Pectoral rays strongly modally at 17 (Ref 42181). Description: Characterized by mottled grey to brownish red color with large obscure dark blotches and with few isolated white spots or blotches; single upper opercular spine; moderately long snout, 3.0-3.2 in head length; interorbital width 6.5-7.6 in head length; prominent fringed fleshy flaps on chin; numerous small tentacles, flaps and cirri on head, body and fins; presence of tentacle above the eye, up to twice orbit diameter in length; depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal reefs (Ref. 9710); usually taken by diving in protected areas of bays or lagoons, often where the fish can be well camouflaged in areas of algae, seagrass or sponge (Ref. 42181, 48635). Venomous spines. Occurs along continental margins or islands associated with continents, not at true oceanic islands (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous
Country info:   
 


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