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Bean's scorpionfish (Neomerinthe beanorum) — Scorpaenidae

Bean's scorpionfish

Neomerinthe beanorum
Family: Scorpaenidae

The Bean's scorpionfish (Neomerinthe beanorum) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
92.0–375.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
North America: Bahamas, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Rp, Honduras, Jamaica and others

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Description

Bean's scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a stocky, reddish-mottled body with a large, spiny head, camouflaging well on sand and mud bottoms of the continental margin. The dorsal spines are linked to venom glands and a sting is very painful. As an ambush hunter it snaps passing small fish and crustaceans. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bean's scorpionfish?

The Bean's scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Bean's scorpionfish live?

The Bean's scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Bahamas, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Rp, Honduras, Jamaica and others

How big does the Bean's scorpionfish get?

The Bean's scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Bean's scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

The Bean's scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not touch or pick up; the fin spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bean's scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Neomerinthe beanorum
Family
Scorpaenidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
92.0 verified
Max depth (m)
375.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Bahamas, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Rp, Honduras, Jamaica and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
Do not touch or pick up; the fin spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Neomerinthe

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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