Fin's Fish Guide
The Reddish scorpionfish (Scorpaena russula) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The reddish scorpionfish is a scorpionfish of the family Scorpaenidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, reddish to brown mottled body with a large, spiny head and skin flaps, camouflaging it excellently on the bottom. It lives in coastal waters over rocky and sandy bottoms. 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 Reddish scorpionfish?
The Reddish 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 Reddish scorpionfish live?
The Reddish scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters over rocky and sandy bottoms.
How big does the Reddish scorpionfish get?
The Reddish scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Reddish scorpionfish dangerous to humans?
The Reddish scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. 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 Reddish scorpionfish edible?
The Reddish 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 Reddish scorpionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Reddish scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.