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Scorpionfish
Family Scorpaenidae |
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The
Scorpionfish is a master of disguise. Its mottled pattern matches
its surroundings perfectly. Sometimes, the same species living in
different locations can have different colours and patterns. They
can also darken and lighten their colours.
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Scorpionfish Sting! The common
name of this fish comes from the stinging pain that it can inflict.
When stepped upon or mishandled, the stout spines on its dorsal fins
act like hypodermic needles. These inject a venom that is excruciating
to humans. A scorpionfish uses its venom only for protection and not
to catch or kill prey. Scorpionfishes are not aggressive and prefer
to hide or swim away, using their venom only as a last resort.
Scorpionfish food: The Scorpionfish
skulks on the bottom, staying motionless for hours to ambush passing
prey. It will eat any prey that can fit into its large mouth.
Scorpionfish babies: A male Scorpionfish
usually courts females after dusk. If a female ripe with eggs enters
his territory, he will try to persuade her to ascend together with
him to the water surface. Here, they release eggs and sperm simultaneously.
In some, rival males will engage in head ramming.
Human uses: Scorpionfishes are
venomous but not poisonous. In temperate climates, large members of
this group called rockfishes or rockcods (Sebastes sp.) are
considered good eating and are caught by sport fishermen as well as
commercially for market. Tropical Scorpionfishes of various kinds
are extensively harvested from the wild for the live aquarium trade.
The Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is particularly popular.
Status and threats: Rockfishes
are vulnerable to overfishing as they grow slowly and reach maturity
late. Harvesting tropical Scorpionfishes for the live aquarium trade
may involve the use of cyanide or blasting, which damage the habitat
and kill many other creatures. Like other fish and creatures harvested
for the live aquarium trade, most die before they can reach the retailers.
Without professional care, most die soon after they are sold. Those
that do survive are unlikely to breed successfully. |
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Longspined
scorpionfish
Paracentropogon longispinis
Longspined scorpionfish
Paracentropogon longispinis
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quick
facts
About 6cm, common in the coral rubble area. |
