Reeflings

Common name: Raggy scorpionfish

Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis venosa (Cuvier, 1829)
Raggy Scorpianfish - Scorpaenopsis venosaRaggy scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis venosa
Raggy scorpionfish during dive on Raja Ampat. Scorpaenopsis venosa is laying on the sea bed. Scorpionfish is hunting. Poisonous fish look like stone on the bottom.
A Raggy scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis venosa, lies on the black sand seafloor waiting to ambush prey on a coral reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. This well-camouflaged predator is quite venomous.
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General information

The Tassled Scorpionfish, scientifically known as Scorpaenopsis venosa, 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 in the ocean. The Tassled Scorpionfish has venomous spines that can inflict painful wounds, so caution is advised when handling or maintaining an aquarium with this species.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
35 cm (1′2″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Handle with care, venomous spines.
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live foods, adapts to frozen.
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be aggressive to small fish.
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Scorpionfishes
    Scorpaeniformes
  5. Family
    Scorpionfish
    Scorpaenidae
  6. Genus
    Scorpionfish
    Scorpaenopsis
  7. Species
    Raggy scorpionfish
    Scorpaenopsis venosa (Cuvier, 1829)
  8. Synonyms
    Scorpaena durbanensis Gilchrist & Thompson, 1909
    Scorpaena novaeguinae Cuvier, 1829
    Scorpaena novaeguineae Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1829
    Scorpaena rosea Day, 1868
    Scorpaena venosa Cuvier, 1829
    Scorpaenopsis novae-guineae (Cuvier, 1829)
    Scorpaenopsis palmeri Ogilby, 1910
    Scorpaenopsis rosea (Day, 1868)
    Scorpaeopsis venosa (Cuvier, 1829)

Care

Tassled Scorpionfish require a well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are ambush predators, so the tank should be equipped with live rock formations where they can camouflage and wait for prey. They prefer a diet of live or frozen meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid. Due to their sedentary nature, they are prone to obesity; thus, feeding should be monitored closely.

Reproduction

In the wild, Tassled Scorpionfish are solitary creatures except during mating. Little is known about their breeding habits in home aquariums, as they rarely breed in captivity. However, in nature, they engage in external fertilization where the female releases eggs into the water column to be fertilized by the male.

Habitat

Tassled Scorpionfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky bottoms, often resting motionless and blending in with their environment. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 40 meters deep.