Bigeye Scorpionfish
📖 Overview
Bigeye Scorpionfish (Plectrogenium nanum) is a ray-finned fish of the family Plectrogeniidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6.8 cm. It occurs at depths between 250 and 650 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5; Vertebrae: 26. Presence of very well developed flat spines on suborbital ridge; a number of extra spines on head, particularly on lachrymal bone and above orbits .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Bigeye Scorpionfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 250 - 650 m . Deep-water
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Bigeye Scorpionfish · Dwarf Thornyhead |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Hime-kichiji · ヒメキチジ |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Карликовый плектрогениум |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 太平洋平頭鮋 · 平額鮋 · 石狗公 · 石頭魚 |
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
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