Highfin scorpionfish
📖 Overview
Highfin scorpionfish (Pontinus rathbuni) is a ray-finned fish of the family Scorpaenidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 33.4 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, 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): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. Snout short and almost equal to orbit diameter; third dorsal spine not elongated .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Highfin scorpionfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 146 m . Subtropical; 38°N - 9°N
🌿 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 | highfin scorpionfish |
| 🌍CES | paropušnice Rathbunova |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | ヒレナガヒオドシ |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Высокопёрый понтинус |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 拉氏海鮋 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
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