Australian sawcheek scorpionfish

📖 Overview

Australian sawcheek scorpionfish (Brachypterois curvispina) is a ray-finned fish of the family Scorpaenidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 32 and 130 metres. With a trophic level of 3.7, it is a mid-level predator.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Vertebrae: 24. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: pectoral-fin rays 14-16 (modally 15); scale rows in longitudinal series 41-45 (44); scales above lateral line 4-5 (4); scale rows between last dorsal spine base and lateral line 4-5 (4); pre-dorsal scale rows 3-5 (4); suborbital scale rows 0-2 (1); total gill rakers 16-18 (16); head length 41.5-44.5 (mean 43.1) %SL; orbit diameter 13.0-15.4 (14.3) %SL; upper-jaw length 20.2-23.0 (21.6) %SL; longest dorsal-fin soft ray length 19.5-24.5 (22.5) %SL; longest anal-fin soft ray length 23.6-28.4 (25.3) %SL; caudal-fin length 37.8-46.4 (42.3) %SL; posterior lacrimal spine usually directed posteriorly, the tip strongly curved upward in large adults; spine(s) on corner of outer angular ridge longer and stouter than others on ridge, directed posteriorly; number and size of caudal fin spots moderate, 5-13 (mean 9.3) spots on longest caudal-fin ray .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Australian sawcheek scorpionfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; pelagic-neritic; depth range 32 - 130 m . Tropical; 12°S - 26°S, 142°E - 154°E

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute