Scorpaena plumieri, Spotted Scorpionfish [+]
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Scorpaeniformes
Family Scorpaenidae
Genus Scorpaena
species: Scorpaena plumieri [+ITIS +WoRMS]
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Description & Behavior
The spotted scorpionfish, Scorpaena plumieri (Bloch, 1789), is a formidable looking creature underwater particularly given that this creature has venomous spines used for defense. This scorpionfish has very effective camouflage capabilities. They have fleshy plumes (cirri) over the eyes, which combined with the characteristic skin flaps around the head and their mottled wide-range of brown coloring makes them blend into the reef or rocky bottoms so that they become virtually invisible. This species also has brilliant white spots on black on the insides of the pectoral fins (hence their name) which are only displayed when threatened or swimming. Another distinctive feature includes three dark bars on their tail.
The spotted scorpionfish is one of the largest and most common scorpionfishes in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Typically 18-36 cms in length with males measuring up to 45 cm and weighing about 1.55 kgs.
World Range & Habitat
The spotted scorpionfish can be found in the Western Atlantic from Bermuda, Massachusetts, and the northern Gulf of Mexico to southern Brazil. In the Eastern Atlantic they are found around Ascension and St. Helena.
They most commonly inhabit shallow coral reefs but are also found in all bottom habitats. They are most commonly found lying motionless blending with the background between depths of 5 m to at least 55 m.
Feeding Behavior (Ecology)
The spotted scorpionfish, Scorpaena plumieri, feeds mostly on other fish and crustaceans. They are ambush predators using their camouflage to remain undetected by prey until they are within striking distance. This species has a wide, cavernous mouth used to quickly suck in and swallow prey. Predators of spotted scorpionfish include large snappers, sharks, rays and moray eels.
Life History
Data on the reproductive behavior of the spotted scorpionfish is limited, however it is known that their minimum population doubling time is more than 14 years.
Conservation Status/Additional Comments
The white spots on the topside of the pectoral fins of spotted scorpionfish, Scorpaena plumieri, are visible when the animal is disturbed. Like other scorpionfish, this species has pressurized venom glands at the base of its dorsal fin.
Scorpionfish inject their venom into predators through the dorsal spines upon penetration. The venom causes severe pain but is not fatal to most humans, however medical treatment should be sought immediately for victims. Divers can avoid contact by not resting on the bottom or reefs and being very careful where they stick their hands.
References & Further Research
BioOne ~ CITES ~ Discover Life ~ GBIF ~ Google Scholar ~ ITIS ~ IUCN RedList ~ MarineBio Network ~ NCBI ~ SCIRIS ~ SIRIS ~ Tree of Life Web Project ~ Wikipedia
Randall, J.E., 1967. Food habits of reef fishes of the West Indies. Stud. Trop. Oceanogr. Miami 5:665-847.
Humann, P., Deloach, N. 2002. Reef Fish Identification Florida Caribbean Bahamas, 3rd edition, New World Publications, Inc. 480 p.
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