RAGGY SCOPRIONFISH (Scorpaenopsis venosa)

Scientific Classification

raggy scorpionfish

ORDER: SCORPAENIFORMES
FAMILY: SCORPAENIDAE
GENUS: SCORPAENOPSIS
SPECIES: SCORPAENOPSIS VENOSA

ICUN REDLIST: NEAR THREATENED

HABITAT

This species inhabits marine and coastal reef associated environments, living at a minimum depth of 2m and a maximum depth of around 95m. They prefer areas where coral reefs are present as they provide the perfect surrounding for camouflage.

APPEARANCE

The body of the Raggy Scorpionfish is covered with skin flaps and branched tentacles, as its name suggests. It is mottled brown in colour with a few white patches. Additionally, the snout of this species is a little smaller than the snout of other species of scorpionfish.

BEHAVIOUR

The Raggy Scorpionfish can camouflage in areas of algae, seagrass and sponge as a defence mechanism against predators as well as for hunting at these creatures are ambush predators, lying in wait for their next meal to swim past their teeth. Raggy Scorpionfish exhibit little movement which is why they are rarel noticed. So, arms and legs kept in divers and snorkelers or you may get a nasty surprise.

REPRODUCTION

Scorpion fish eggs are fertilised internally, but they are laid before they hatch, and once hatched the young scorpion fishes fend for themselves. Initially juveniles are pelagic, floating wherever the current takes them. Preyed on by sharks and pelagic predators, many of them do not survive to adulthood. Those that do survive become masters of camouflage, and readily take on the colouring and texture of their surroundings

SIZE	Maximum length of 25cm
WEIGHT
DIET	Small fishes, crustaceans
LIFESPAN

CONSERVATION

Little is known about the conservation of the Raggy Scorpionfish specifically. However, the general species of Scorpionfish is not currently classified as being threatened or endangered.

INTERESTING FACT

The Raggy Scorpionfish is covered in a layer of venomous spines.

** This data set was written by Clem Carroll of Bournemouth University, England and edited by Stephanie Young**

***Identification of these species has been made through, photographic documentation cross referenced with external specialists and identification books. Any errors in our database will be rectified upon notification, if you feel that we have misidentified any species please help us to improve our research through our contact us page. All people involved will be acknowledge in the website and reports***

SUPPORT US