Is Smooth-head scorpionfish edible?

Smooth-head scorpionfish is not considered an edible species for human consumption.

Is Smooth-head scorpionfish venomous?

Smooth-head scorpionfish is venomous. Venom is delivered via dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines. First aid: Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.

How big does Smooth-head scorpionfish get?

Smooth-head scorpionfish can reach up to 13 cm in length.

Is Smooth-head scorpionfish endangered?

Smooth-head scorpionfish is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

What does Smooth-head scorpionfish eat?

Smooth-head scorpionfish feeds on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, algae, detritus.

Where is Smooth-head scorpionfish found?

Smooth-head scorpionfish is found in Marine environments. Depth range: 1-216 m.

Can Smooth-head scorpionfish be kept in an aquarium?

Smooth-head scorpionfish is not typically kept in home aquariums.

🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Tropical

Smooth-head scorpionfish

Scorpaena calcarata Goode & Bean, 1882

← All Species

Max Length

13 cm

Max Weight

Lifespan

Trophic Level

3.5

Depth

1–216 m

Climate

Tropical

Resilience

High

Vulnerability

27.00/100

Typical Length

Depth Zone

reef

📖 Overview

Occurs from the shore (small individuals) to 90 m depth. Inhabits muddy bottoms . Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland .

Scientific Name

Scorpaena calcarata

Authority

Goode & Bean, 1882

Habitat

Marine

Climate

Tropical

IUCN Status

Max Length

13 cm

Depth Range

1–216 m

Latitude

33°S – 37°N

Trophic Level

3.5

Resilience

High

Vulnerability

27.00/100

Salinity

30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Species

Smooth-head scorpionfish

Scorpaena calcarata

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Smooth-head scorpionfish is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Smooth-head scorpionfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates

small fish

algae

detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 216 m . Tropical; 37°N - 33°S North Carolina, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil; absent from Bermuda, Bahamas and many other island areas.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences

🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated

Trophic Level

3.5±0.2

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01349 × L^3.01 (TL)

Max TL

13cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range

30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category

Least Concern

Assessment Date

2012

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience

High

Minimum doubling time

Fishing Vulnerability

27.00/100

Low vulnerability

Trophic Level

3.5

Predator

Climate Zone

Tropical

Latitude Range

37°N – 33°S

Described By

Goode & Bean, 1882

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.

Venom Type

proteinaceous neurotoxin

Delivery

dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines

Potency

Severe

Mortality Risk

Low

Symptom Onset

5min

Duration

24.0hrs

Antivenom

✗ Not Available

Named Toxins

high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine

Symptoms

immediate intense pain
swelling
erythema
occasional nausea and weakness

Affected Body Systems

peripheral nervous system cardiovascular

First Aid

Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.

Medical Treatment

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	Red Scorpionfish · Smooth-head Scorpionfish · Smoothhead Scorpionfish
🌍CES	ropušnice hladkohlavá
🇫🇷French	rascasse dénudée
🇵🇹Portuguese	Mangangá
🇪🇸Spanish	Arracacho · Rascacio · escorpión pelón · rascacio pelón
🇨🇳Chinese	光頭鮋

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name	Author	Year	Status
Scorpaena atlantica	Nichols & Breder	1924	Synonym
Scorpaena russula atlantica	Nichols & Breder	1924	Synonym

🔍 Similar Species

Spotfin scorpionfish

Sebastapistes ballieui

Marine

Darkspotted scorpionfish

Sebastapistes tinkhami

Marine

Galactacma scorpionfish

Sebastapistes galactacma

Marine

Barchin scorpionfish

Sebastapistes strongia

Marine

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 147 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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View all observations for Smooth-head scorpionfish ↗

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Quick Facts

Scientific NameScorpaena calcarata

AuthorityGoode & Bean, 1882

Habitat Marine

ClimateTropical

IUCN StatusLC

Max Length13 cm

Max Weight-

Lifespan-

Depth1–216 m

Latitude 33° S – 37° N

ResilienceHigh

Vulnerability 27.00/100

Trophic Level3.5

🔗 External Resources

🐠 FishBase ↗ 🌍 GBIF ↗ 📖 Wikipedia ↗

Smooth-head scorpionfish

📖 Overview

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

🌀 Behaviour

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

⚠️ Venom Profile

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

👥 Community & Contribute