Common name: Scorpionfishes

The Scorpaenidae family, commonly known as scorpionfishes, is a fascinating group of marine fish known for their venomous spines and remarkable camouflage abilities. These fish are predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, although some species inhabit the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. Scorpionfishes are benthic creatures, meaning they live on or near the seabed, where their cryptic coloration allows them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making them excellent ambush predators.

Scorpionfishes are characterized by their robust bodies, large heads, and a series of venomous spines on their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. The venom is a potent defense mechanism against predators, but it can also pose a risk to humans, making it essential for aquarists to handle these fish with care. Despite their venomous nature, scorpionfishes are popular in the aquarium trade due to their striking appearance and interesting behaviors.

In terms of care, scorpionfishes require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. They are carnivorous and require a diet of live or frozen meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid. Due to their sedentary nature, they do not require a large tank, but water quality must be maintained to prevent health issues.

Scorpionfishes exhibit a range of sizes, from small species suitable for home aquariums to larger ones that are best left to public aquariums. It's important for hobbyists to research the specific needs and potential size of the scorpionfish species they intend to keep. Additionally, their compatibility with other tank mates should be considered, as they may prey on smaller fish and invertebrates.

1. 
   Common name: Shortfin firefish

   Scientific name: Brachypterois serrulata
2. Common name: Spotted coral croucher

   Scientific name: Caracanthus maculatus
3. Common name: Spotted Coral Croucher

   Scientific name: Caracanthus madagascariensis
4. Common name: Hawaiian orbicular velvetfish

   Scientific name: Caracanthus typicus
5. Common name: Pygmy coral croucher

   Scientific name: Caracanthus unipinna
6. 
   Common name: Hawaiian lionfish

   Scientific name: Dendrochirus barberi
7. Common name: Bricked firefish

   Scientific name: Dendrochirus bellus
8. 
   Common name: Twinspot lionfish

   Scientific name: Dendrochirus biocellatus
9. 
   Common name: Dwarf lionfish

   Scientific name: Dendrochirus brachypterus
10. 
    Common name: Zebra lionfish

    Scientific name: Dendrochirus zebra
11. 
    Common name: Bleeker's Lionfish

    Scientific name: Ebosia bleekeri
12. 
    Common name: Blackfoot Lionfish

    Scientific name: Parapterois heterura
13. 
    Common name: Mozambique scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Parascorpaena mossambica
14. 
    Common name: Northern scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Parascorpaena picta
15. 
    Common name: Ambon scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Pteroidichthys amboinensis
16. 
    Common name: Spotfin lionfish

    Scientific name: Pterois antennata
17. 
    Common name: Luna lion fish

    Scientific name: Pterois lunulata
18. 
    Common name: lionfish

    Scientific name: Pterois miles
19. 
    Common name: African lionfish

    Scientific name: Pterois mombasae
20. 
    Common name: radial firefish; clearfin turkeyfish

    Scientific name: Pterois radiata
21. 
    Common name: zebrafish

    Scientific name: Pterois russelii
22. 
    Common name: Hawaiian turkeyfish

    Scientific name: Pterois sphex
23. 
    Common name: lionfish

    Scientific name: Pterois volitans
24. 
    Common name: Eschmeyer's scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Rhinopias eschmeyeri
25. 
    Common name: Weedy scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Rhinopias frondosa
26. 
    Common name: Kokuchi-fusakasago

    Scientific name: Scorpaena miostoma
27. 
    Common name: Small red scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaena notata
28. 
    Common name: Pacific spotted scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaena plumieri
29. 
    Common name: Black scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaena porcus
30. 
    Common name: red scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaena scrofa
31. Common name: Guam scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenodes guamensis
32. Common name: Blotchfin scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenodes varipinnis
33. Common name: Shortnose scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis brevifrons
34. Common name: Titan Scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis cacopsis
35. 
    Common name: Devil scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis diabolus
36. 
    Common name: Flasher scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis macrochir
37. 
    Common name: Tassled scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis oxycephala
38. 
    Common name: Papuan scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis papuensis
39. 
    Common name: Raggy scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Scorpaenopsis venosa
40. 
    Common name: Spotfin scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Sebastapistes ballieui
41. 
    Common name: Speckled scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Sebastapistes coniorta
42. 
    Common name: Bicolor rosefish

    Scientific name: Sebastapistes cyanostigma
43. Common name: Barchin scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Sebastapistes strongia
44. 
    Common name: Leaf Scorpionfish

    Scientific name: Taenianotus triacanthus