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Galactacma scorpionfish (Sebastapistes galactacma) — Scorpaenidae

Galactacma scorpionfish

Sebastapistes galactacma
Family: Scorpaenidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Galactacma scorpionfish (Sebastapistes galactacma) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–200.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The whitespot scorpionfish is a very small scorpionfish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with whitish spots and skin flaps. In the dorsal fin it bears strong, venom-linked spines that give a painful prick. As a secretive reef-dweller it shelters among coral branches and snaps at small crustaceans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Galactacma scorpionfish?

The Galactacma scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Galactacma scorpionfish live?

The Galactacma scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Galactacma scorpionfish get?

The Galactacma scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Galactacma scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

The Galactacma scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Galactacma scorpionfish edible?

The Galactacma scorpionfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Melkvlek-schorpioenvisje verified
English name
Galactacma scorpionfish verified
Scientific name
Sebastapistes galactacma
Family
Scorpaenidae
Other names
Galactacma scorpionfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Sebastapistes

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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