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Falcate scorpionfish (Ebosia falcata) — Scorpaenidae

Falcate scorpionfish

Ebosia falcata
Family: Scorpaenidae

The Falcate scorpionfish (Ebosia falcata) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
47.0–243.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: India, Somalia

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Description

The falcate scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) of soft bottoms of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, reddish body with a spiny head, a strikingly high, sickle-shaped first dorsal spine and skin flaps. As a motionless ambush predator of deeper water it lies camouflaged on the bottom and snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The dorsal, pelvic and anal spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Falcate scorpionfish?

The Falcate scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Falcate scorpionfish live?

The Falcate scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: India, Somalia

How big does the Falcate scorpionfish get?

The Falcate scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Falcate scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

The Falcate scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Falcate scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Ebosia falcata
Family
Scorpaenidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
47.0 verified
Max depth (m)
243.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: India, Somalia 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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