Common name: Guam scorpionfish
General information
The Guam Scorpionfish, Scorpaenodes guamensis, is a small and cryptic species known for its ability to blend into its surroundings. This fish is part of the Scorpaenidae family, which is renowned for its members' venomous spines that can deliver a painful sting. Despite this defense mechanism, they are generally peaceful towards other non-predatory fish in the aquarium setting.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers complex rockwork
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys live and frozen foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at slow fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderScorpionfishesScorpaeniformes
- FamilyScorpionfishesScorpaenidae
- GenusScorpionfishScorpaenodes
- SpeciesGuam scorpionfishScorpaenodes guamensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
- SynonymsCentropogon echinatus Macleay, 1881Scorpaena guamensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1824Scorpaena polylepis Bleeker, 1851Scorpaenodes guamnsis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)Scorpaenodes quamensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Care
Guam Scorpionfish require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock and hiding places to feel secure. They are ambush predators, so the tank layout should allow for their natural hunting behavior. These fish are not overly demanding when it comes to water conditions, but stability is key to keeping them healthy. They should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods, including live and frozen shrimp and small fish.
Reproduction
Little is known about the reproductive habits of Scorpaenodes guamensis in the wild or in captivity. However, like many scorpionfish, they are likely to be oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae.
Habitat
Scorpaenodes guamensis is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, often hiding among crevices or under ledges during the day. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 40 meters.