Common name: Black scorpionfish

General information

The Black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus, is a venomous marine fish known for its ability to blend into its surroundings. It has a distinctive appearance with a robust body, a large head covered with spines, and a mottled pattern that ranges from reddish to brownish hues, which helps it camouflage among rocks and seaweed.

Care

In the aquarium, Scorpaena porcus requires a large tank with plenty of hiding places and a sandy or rubble substrate to mimic its natural habitat. It is a sedentary species that prefers to ambush its prey, so live or frozen food like shrimp and small fish are ideal. Caution should be taken when handling this fish due to its venomous spines, which can inflict painful wounds.

Reproduction

In the wild, Black scorpionfish reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but if conditions are right, they may spawn. The larvae are planktonic and would require specialized care to raise.

Habitat

Scorpaena porcus is found in the Eastern Atlantic, from the British Isles to the Azores and Mediterranean Sea. It inhabits rocky bottoms, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, often hiding among the crevices or burying itself in the substrate. It can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 100 meters.