Scorpaenopsis barbata
Bearded Scorpion [+]

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Family: Scorpaenidae
Genus: Scorpaenopsis
species: barbata
+ITIS +WoRMS

Description & Behavior

The bearded scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis barbata (Rüppell, 1838), reaches 22 cm in length. Dorsal spines: 12; Dorsal soft rays: 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5; Vertebrae: 24. The bearded scorpionfish's body is heavily pigmented dark brown or reddish brown, mottled with whitish and blackish blotches; often with a dark brown bar extending ventrally from posterior half of eye and broadening onto lower cheek. Body compressed; head usually with ridges and spines; gill membranes free from isthmus. Usually 1 dorsal fin, often notched. Some lack swim bladder. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines can bear venom gland.

Family Scorpaenidae - Scorpionfishes or rockfishes
This family contains the world's most venomous fishes, many of them brightly colored. Most species live on or near the bottom and feed on crustaceans or fishes. Most do well in aquariums, but some require live foods. The current arrangement follows Eschmeyer (1998) and includes the subfamilies Scorpaeninae, Sebastolobinae, and Pteroinae.

World Range & Habitat

Distribution: all tropical and temperate seas. Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to at least the coast of Somalia. Reef-associated, benthic (bottom-dweller) to at least 30 m.

» GBIF occurrence data in Google Earth [Tips] | Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) (World Distribution) [about]

Feeding Behavior (Ecology)

The bearded scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis barbata, is an ambush hunter feeding mainly on crustaceans or other fishes.

Life History

Family Scorpaenidae members fertilization is mostly internal. Eggs are laid in a gelatinous balloon in some species; larvae are planktonic. Fertilization mostly internal. Eggs are laid in a gelatinous balloon in some species; larvae are planktonic. Very little specific data available for this species.