Common name: red scorpionfish
General information
The Red Scorpionfish, Scorpaena scrofa, is a striking species known for its venomous spines and camouflaged appearance. It is a member of the Scorpaenidae family, which includes some of the most venomous fish in the world. The Red Scorpionfish has a robust body, a large head with a humped profile, and a mouth that can open very wide to swallow prey whole. Its coloration varies from red to brown, with mottled patterns that allow it to blend into its surroundings.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 18 to 26 °C (64 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 50 cm (1′8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Handle with care, venomous spines.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on small fish/inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive if provoked.
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderScorpionfishesScorpaeniformes
- FamilyScorpionfishesScorpaenidae
- GenusScorpionfishScorpaena
- Speciesred scorpionfishScorpaena scrofa Linnaeus, 1758
- SynonymsScorpaena lutea Risso, 1810Scorpaena natalensis Regan, 1906Scorpaenopsis natalensis (Regan, 1906)Sebastapistes scorfa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Care
In the aquarium, the Red Scorpionfish 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 foods like shrimp and small fish are ideal. Care should be taken when handling this fish due to its venomous spines, which can cause painful wounds.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Red Scorpionfish in the wild or in captivity. They are presumed to be oviparous, with planktonic larvae.
Habitat
The Red Scorpionfish is found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to the Azores and Senegal, and occasionally in the Black Sea. It inhabits rocky and sandy bottoms, often hiding in crevices or under ledges, from shallow waters to depths of over 500 meters.