Fin's Fish Guide
The Highfin scorpionfish (Pontinus rathbuni) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Description
The highfin scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a stocky, reddish body with a large, spiny head and conspicuously high anterior dorsal fin spines, to which the name refers. It lives bottom-dwelling on deeper reefs and hard bottoms of the continental shelf and slope. As an ambush hunter it springs on small fishes and crustaceans. On the rear margin of the fin spines lies thickened glandular tissue believed to be venomous; a sting gives a painful puncture wound. Treat a sting with hot water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Highfin scorpionfish?
The Highfin scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Tall first dorsal fin spines with venomous glandular tissue; bottom ambush predator of deeper reefs.
Where does the Highfin scorpionfish live?
The Highfin scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; deeper reefs and hard bottoms.
How big does the Highfin scorpionfish get?
The Highfin scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.
Is the Highfin scorpionfish dangerous to humans?
The Highfin scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Highfin scorpionfish edible?
The Highfin scorpionfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pontinus
More from the family Scorpaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Highfin scorpionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Highfin scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.