Fin's Fish Guide
The Madeira rockfish (Scorpaena maderensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands and along Northwest Africa, on shallow rocky coasts.
Description
The Madeira rockfish is a stout rock fish of the family Scorpaenidae reaching about 18 cm. The red-brown mottled body is covered with skin flaps and outgrowths that let the fish blend perfectly among rocks and weeds. Venomous spines stand in the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins. The species occurs on shallow rocky shores of the eastern Atlantic around Madeira, the Azores and the Canaries and along north-western Africa. As an ambush hunter it lies motionless on the bottom and seizes passing small fish and crustaceans with a fast snap. The spines are venomous and can give a very painful wound on contact, so caution is needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Madeira rockfish?
The Madeira rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Stocky rockfish with skin flaps and venomous spines in the fins; excellently camouflaged as an ambush predator among rocks.
Where does the Madeira rockfish live?
The Madeira rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands and along Northwest Africa, on shallow rocky coasts.
How big does the Madeira rockfish get?
The Madeira rockfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Madeira rockfish dangerous to humans?
The Madeira rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a very painful wound. Immerse the stung part in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 40-45 °C) to break down the venom and seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
Is the Madeira rockfish edible?
The Madeira rockfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Madeira rockfish and live in the same waters.
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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 Madeira rockfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Madeira rockfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.