Fin's Fish Guide
The Pygmy scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes scaber) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Oceania: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, French Polynesia, Djibouti, Japan and others
Description
The Pygmy scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from rocky and coral-reef water around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with a large, spiny, flapped head, strongly camouflaged against the bottom. As a motionless ambush predator it snaps at small fish and crustaceans. The dorsal, head and gill-cover spines are venomous and can give a very painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pygmy scorpionfish?
The Pygmy scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Pygmy scorpionfish live?
The Pygmy scorpionfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, French Polynesia, Djibouti, Japan and others
How big does the Pygmy scorpionfish get?
The Pygmy scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Pygmy scorpionfish dangerous to humans?
The Pygmy scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scorpaenodes
More from the family Scorpaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Pygmy scorpionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pygmy scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.