Fin's Fish Guide
The Mushroom scorpionfish (Scorpaena inermis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The mushroom scorpionfish is a small scorpionfish of the family Scorpaenidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with a large, spiny head and skin flaps that camouflage it excellently on the bottom. It lives mainly around offshore islands and coral reefs. 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 Mushroom scorpionfish?
The Mushroom 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 Mushroom scorpionfish live?
The Mushroom scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; offshore islands and coral reefs.
How big does the Mushroom scorpionfish get?
The Mushroom scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Mushroom scorpionfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Mushroom 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 Mushroom scorpionfish edible?
The Mushroom scorpionfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Mushroom scorpionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mushroom scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Mushroom scorpionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mushroom scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.