Name
Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis)Alias
Stingers or Reef StonefishSize
Scorpionfish measure about 30cm on average, but can be as long as 40cm.Scorpionfish Identification
Scorpionfish have flattened heads, bony plates for protection and big mouths located at the front of their heads. They are characterised by their camouflage which varies according to the environment and can be red, brown, orange, yellow, beige and white in colour.Scorpionfish General Info
Scorpionfish belong to the Scorpaenopsis family which comprises of 26 species. They occur on coral reefs, lying very still and camouflaging with its colours. When disturbed or alarmed they flash their inner pectoral fins, and catch their prey by sucking it into their mouths.
A sting from the scorpionfish can be very painful, but not deadly. These fish are mistaken for a stonefish and are pelagic spawners.