Reef scorpionfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits coral reefs. Sometimes drifts above hard substratum or near ceilings of caves or ledges. Secretive but common . Maximum depth from Ref. 126840.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. Has conspicuous dark spot on rear dorsal fin spines. Without occipital pit . Palatine teeth absent; no preorbital spines; suborbital ridge with 4 or 5 spinous points .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Reef scorpionfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Reef scorpionfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 70 m . Tropical; 33°N - 23°S, 101°W - 28°W South America.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Reef scorpionfish is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 222 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Reef scorpionfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Reef Scorpionfish |
| 🌍CES | paropušnice karibská |
| 🇫🇷French | Petite rascasse de récif |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Beatinha-colorada · Mangangá · Peixe-pedra-de-recife |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | escorpión de arrecife |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 加勒比小鮋 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scorpaenodes caraibbaeus | Meek & Hildebrand | 1928 | Synonym |
| Scorpaenodes russelli | Beebe & Tee-Van | 1928 | Synonym |
| Scorpaenodes triacanthus | Parr | 1930 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 66 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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