📖 Overview
Reddish scorpionfish (Scorpaena russula), first described by Jordan & Bollman, 1890 is a medium-sized fish in the family Scorpaenidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 15.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 10 to 60 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, venomous and potentially dangerous to handle, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Scorpaenidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
Scientific Name
Scorpaena russula
Authority
Jordan & Bollman, 1890
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
🐟 Physical Description
: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Reddish scorpionfish is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous
📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 10 - 60 m . Tropical; 24°N -
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
⬇️ Benthic
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.01122 × L2.93
(TL)
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
29.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.7
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Described By
Jordan & Bollman, 1890
⚠️ 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
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
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Reddish scorpionfish is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking
Grilling
Pan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient |
Amount |
| Protein |
17.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) |
396 mg
|
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Reddish scorpionfish has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year |
Region |
Index |
Notes |
| - |
- |
- |
|
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
|
Language |
Common Names |
|
🇬🇧English
|
reddish scorpionfish
|
|
🌍CES
|
ropušnice červenavá
|
|
🇫🇷French
|
Rascasse Crapaud
|
|
🇪🇸Spanish
|
escorpión sapo · Lapon Sapo · Pez Zapo · Rascacio Sapo
|
|
🇨🇳Chinese
|
淡江鮋
|
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 20 records indexed
.