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Flower scorpionfish (Hoplosebastes armatus) — Scorpaenidae

Flower scorpionfish

Hoplosebastes armatus
Family: Scorpaenidae

The Flower scorpionfish (Hoplosebastes armatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The flower scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from deeper coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, red-brown body with skin flaps and fan-shaped pectoral fins. As an ambush hunter it lies hidden on sand and mud bottoms. The dorsal and gill spines carry venom and can cause a painful sting; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Flower scorpionfish?

The Flower scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Flower scorpionfish live?

The Flower scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Flower scorpionfish get?

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

Is the Flower scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

The Flower scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bloem-scorpioenvis sourced
English name
Flower scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Hoplosebastes armatus
Family
Scorpaenidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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