Fin's Fish Guide
The Papua scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis papuensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The Papuan scorpionfish is a scorpionfish from the Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to Fiji and the Society Islands. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, lumpy, brown mottled body with skin flaps that camouflages it perfectly on reef and rocky bottoms. As a motionless ambush predator it waits until prey passes and engulfs it at lightning speed. Like all scorpionfishes it carries strongly venomous fin spines that give a very painful sting. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Papua scorpionfish?
The Papua scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Perfectly camouflaged ambush predator; highly venomous fin spines
Where does the Papua scorpionfish live?
The Papua scorpionfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific
How big does the Papua scorpionfish get?
The Papua scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Papua scorpionfish dangerous to humans?
The Papua scorpionfish 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 sting. Immerse the injured area in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove spine fragments, clean the wound and seek medical help for a severe reaction.
Is the Papua scorpionfish edible?
The Papua scorpionfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scorpaenopsis
More from the family Scorpaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Papua scorpionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Papua scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.