Tassled scorpionfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits clear-water outer reef slopes and channels from depths of 1 to at least 35 m, in areas with mixed rock and coral substrates. Venomous spines. Solitary on coral and rocky bottoms (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. Highly variable in color. Adults 'bearded' with numerous tassels. Juveniles slender with tall dorsal fin . Third dorsal spine longest (2.05-2.5) in head; occipital pit absent or very shallow; snout very long (2.7-3.0 in head length); space between opercular spines naked; first dorsal spine short (1.85-2.5) in length of second spine; supraocular and postocular spines broadly joined in adults (only tip of supraocular spine showing) and flaring outward to form a shelf over posterior half of eye (Ref 42181).: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tassled scorpionfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 400 m . Tropical; 30°N - 36°S, 24°E - 171°E West Pacific: Red Sea and Sodwana Bay, South Africa (Ref.
🌿 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scorpaena oxycephalus | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
| Scorpaeopsis oxycephalus | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
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