| Family: |
Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae |
| Max. size: |
13 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 110 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion. Pacific Ocean: Ryukyu Islands (Ref. 559), Taiwan, and from the Society, Cook, Marquesan, Tuamoto, Pitcairn and Hawaiian islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Anterior part of dorsal fin resembles a small fish, the fin also has a spot between spines 1-2 or 1-3 (Ref. 4313). Lachrymal bone with 2 spines over maxillary, first points forward, second broad, pointing out and to rear; suborbital ridge without spines except one at rear before opercle; preopercular spines short, usually only 3 developed; no supplemental preopercular spine at base of first spine; a dark spot on the spinous dorsal fin between spines 1 or 2 and 3; and vertical scale rows of about 65-75 (Ref. 10482).
Description: Characterized by mottled red color with white patches; ctenoid scales; absence of palatine teeth; depth of body 3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Found on sand and rubble under ledges of seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Benthic (Ref. 58302). The dorsal fin mimics a tiny fish and is used as a lure (Ref. 9710). Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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