Fin's Fish Guide
The Hunchback scorpionfish (Scorpaena dispar) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; offshore soft bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The hunchback scorpionfish is a scorpionfish of the family Scorpaenidae from the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The species grows to about 23 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with a large, spiny head and skin flaps, camouflaging it excellently on the bottom. It inhabits offshore waters and soft bottoms of the continental shelf. As an ambush predator it lies motionless in wait and seizes small fishes and crustaceans. The dorsal, head and gill-cover spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound; therefore handle a caught specimen with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hunchback scorpionfish?
The Hunchback scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Excellently camouflaged ambush predator with venomous dorsal, head and opercular spines.
Where does the Hunchback scorpionfish live?
The Hunchback scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; offshore soft bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Hunchback scorpionfish get?
The Hunchback scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Hunchback scorpionfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Hunchback scorpionfish is harmless to humans. 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 Hunchback scorpionfish edible?
The Hunchback scorpionfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scorpaena
More from the family Scorpaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Hunchback scorpionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hunchback scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.