Common name: Jenkin's scorpionfish

General information

The Tassled Scorpionfish, scientifically known as Scorpaenopsis cacopsis, is a striking species known for its elaborate fringed appearance and ability to blend into its surroundings. This fish is part of the Scorpaenidae family, which includes some of the most venomous species found in the ocean. The Tassled Scorpionfish has venomous spines that can inflict painful wounds, making it essential for hobbyists to handle them with extreme care or, better yet, not at all.

Care

Tassled Scorpionfish require a specialized aquarium setup that mimics their natural habitat. They need ample hiding places and a sandy substrate where they can camouflage themselves. These fish are not active swimmers and prefer to ambush their prey, so providing a tank with low to moderate water flow is ideal. They feed on live or frozen foods such as shrimp and small fish, and acclimating them to a captive diet can be challenging.

Reproduction

In the wild, Tassled Scorpionfish are solitary creatures and come together only to breed. Breeding them in captivity is rare and not well-documented. However, like many marine fish, they are likely to release eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally.

Habitat

Tassled Scorpionfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to southern Japan. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, often resting motionless on the substrate or within crevices, at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 35 meters.