Common name: Scorpionfishes
Scorpaeniformes, commonly known as scorpionfishes, are a diverse order of ray-finned fishes that are renowned for their unique adaptations and striking appearances. This order includes not only the well-known scorpionfishes but also lionfishes and stonefishes, each bringing their own allure and challenges to the aquarium hobby. One of the most distinctive features of Scorpaeniformes is their venomous spines, which serve as a formidable defense mechanism against predators. This venom is potent and can cause significant pain to humans, so careful handling and respect for these creatures are essential.
In terms of appearance, scorpionfishes are often masters of camouflage, with many species possessing intricate patterns and textures that allow them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. This makes them both fascinating and challenging to spot in the wild and in aquariums. Lionfishes, with their flamboyant fins and striking coloration, are a popular choice for many marine aquarists, although they require specific care and attention to water quality and tank mates.
Scorpaeniformes are typically ambush predators, using their excellent camouflage to lie in wait for unsuspecting prey. They primarily feed on small fishes and crustaceans, making them an important part of the marine ecosystem. In captivity, they require a diet that reflects their natural feeding habits, often including live or frozen foods such as shrimp or small fish.
Aquarists interested in keeping scorpionfishes should be prepared for their specific care needs, including a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots and appropriate tank mates that won't provoke or be preyed upon by these impressive predators. Additionally, maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for their health and well-being. Despite their challenges, Scorpaeniformes can be a rewarding addition to a saltwater aquarium, offering a glimpse into the complex and captivating world of marine life.
Common name: Cockatoo WaspfishScientific name: Ablabys taenianotus- Common name: Shortfin firefishScientific name: Brachypterois serrulata
- Common name: Spotted coral croucherScientific name: Caracanthus maculatus
- Common name: Spotted Coral CroucherScientific name: Caracanthus madagascariensis
- Common name: Hawaiian orbicular velvetfishScientific name: Caracanthus typicus
- Common name: Pygmy coral croucherScientific name: Caracanthus unipinna
- Common name: Tub gurnardScientific name: Chelidonichthys lucerna
- Common name: Spotted flatheadScientific name: Cociella crocodilus
- Common name: Crocodile fishScientific name: Cymbacephalus beauforti
- Common name: Spotwing helmet gurnardScientific name: Dactyloptena macracantha
- Common name: Oriental flying gurnardScientific name: Dactyloptena orientalis
- Common name: batfishScientific name: Dactylopterus volitans
- Common name: Hawaiian lionfishScientific name: Dendrochirus barberi
- Common name: Bricked firefishScientific name: Dendrochirus bellus
- Common name: Twinspot lionfishScientific name: Dendrochirus biocellatus
- Common name: Dwarf lionfishScientific name: Dendrochirus brachypterus
- Common name: Zebra lionfishScientific name: Dendrochirus zebra
- Common name: Cockscomb firefishScientific name: Ebosia bleekeri
- Common name: Two-stick stingfishScientific name: Inimicus filamentosus
- Common name: Tentacled flatheadScientific name: Papilloculiceps longiceps
Common name: Wispy WaspfishScientific name: Paracentropogon longispinis- Common name: Blackfoot LionfishScientific name: Parapterois heterura
- Common name: Mozambique scorpionfishScientific name: Parascorpaena mossambica
- Common name: Northern scorpionfishScientific name: Parascorpaena picta
- Common name: Ambon scorpionfishScientific name: Pteroidichthys amboinensis
- Common name: Spotfin lionfishScientific name: Pterois antennata
- Common name: Luna lion fishScientific name: Pterois lunulata
- Common name: lionfishScientific name: Pterois miles
- Common name: African lionfishScientific name: Pterois mombasae
- Common name: radial firefish; clearfin turkeyfishScientific name: Pterois radiata
- Common name: zebrafishScientific name: Pterois russelii
- Common name: Hawaiian turkeyfishScientific name: Pterois sphex
- Common name: lionfishScientific name: Pterois volitans
- Common name: Eschmeyer's scorpionfishScientific name: Rhinopias eschmeyeri
- Common name: Weedy scorpionfishScientific name: Rhinopias frondosa
Common name: Whiteface WaspfishScientific name: Richardsonichthys leucogaster- Common name: Kokuchi-fusakasagoScientific name: Scorpaena miostoma
- Common name: Small red scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaena notata
- Common name: Pacific spotted scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaena plumieri
- Common name: Black scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaena porcus
- Common name: red scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaena scrofa
- Common name: Guam scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenodes guamensis
- Common name: Blotchfin scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenodes varipinnis
- Common name: Shortnose scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenopsis brevifrons
- Common name: Titan ScorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenopsis cacopsis
- Common name: Devil scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenopsis diabolus
- Common name: Flasher scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenopsis macrochir
- Common name: Tassled scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenopsis oxycephala
- Common name: Papuan scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenopsis papuensis
- Common name: Raggy scorpionfishScientific name: Scorpaenopsis venosa
- Common name: Spotfin scorpionfishScientific name: Sebastapistes ballieui
- Common name: Speckled scorpionfishScientific name: Sebastapistes coniorta
- Common name: Bicolor rosefishScientific name: Sebastapistes cyanostigma
- Common name: Barchin scorpionfishScientific name: Sebastapistes strongia
- Common name: Rough stonefishScientific name: Synanceia horrida
- Common name: StonefishScientific name: Synanceia verrucosa
- Common name: scorpionfishScientific name: Taenianotus triacanthus
- Common name: Celebes flatheadScientific name: Thysanophrys celebica