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🌊 Marine Data Deficient ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Tropical

Pygmy scorpionfish

Scorpaenodes scaber Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886
Max Length
12 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.6
Depth
3–30 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
26.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Pygmy scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes scaber), first described by Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886 is a small fish in the family Scorpaenidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 12.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 3 to 30 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 Data Deficient.The species is venomous and potentially dangerous to handle.

Scientific Name
Scorpaenodes scaber
Authority
Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
DD
Max Length
12 cm
Depth Range
3–30 m
Trophic Level
3.6
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
26.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Pygmy scorpionfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 30 m . Tropical

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌿 Brackish 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.6±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01549 × L3.03 (TL)
Max TL
12cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2015

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
26.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.6
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886

⚠️ 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 Pygmy Scorpionfish
🇯🇵Japanese サンゴカサゴ

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Scorpaenodes scabra Ramsay & Ogilby 1886 Synonym
Sebastes scaber Ramsay & Ogilby 1886 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

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