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Fringed scorpionfish (Thysanichthys crossotus) — Scorpaenidae

Fringed scorpionfish

Thysanichthys crossotus
Family: Scorpaenidae

The Fringed scorpionfish (Thysanichthys crossotus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
120.0–130.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan

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Description

The fringed scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, reddish-mottled body with numerous skin flaps and a spiny head, with which it camouflages well among stone and coral. The dorsal spines are linked to venom and a sting is painful. As an ambush hunter it snaps passing small fish and crustaceans. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fringed scorpionfish?

The Fringed 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 Fringed scorpionfish live?

The Fringed scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan

How big does the Fringed scorpionfish get?

The Fringed scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Fringed scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

The Fringed 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
Fringed scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Thysanichthys crossotus
Family
Scorpaenidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.4 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)
120.0 verified
Max depth (m)
130.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan 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
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

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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