flasher scorpionfish

Scientific name Scorpaenopsis macrochir
Descriptor Ogilby
Year of description 1910
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Scorpaenidae
Genus Scorpaenopsis
Scorpaenopsis macrochir Scorpaenopsis macrochir

Introduction

The Scorpaenopsis macrochir is a small predator with behavior similar to stonefish. Although a specialist in camouflage, it has been observed in a large part of the Pacific Ocean.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
  • Average size
    10 cm
  • Maximum size
    15 cm
  • Shape
    Unclassifiable
  • Mimicry
    stone
  • Type
  • Average size
    10 cm
  • Maximum size
    15 cm
  • Shape
    Unclassifiable
  • Mimicry
    stone

How to recognize the flasher scorpionfish ?

The color of this fish varies depending on the substrate but is commonly seen in shades of brown to orange. Its mouth is typical of ambush predators, protractile and upward inclined.

It also has a small bump on its back, less imposing than in S. diabolus. The eyes are predominant and the snout relatively short.

Sexual dimorphism

Dimorphism not specified.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or alone
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    nocturnal

The flasher scorpionfish resides on the sea floor. It is a species that spends most of its time stationary, either partially buried in the sand or camouflaged in rocky areas.

This fish is a specialist predator in hunting other fish.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond en eau libre

The flasher scorpionfish is an oviparous fish that spawns in open water.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC
France : NE

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C
  • Depth
    1 - 80 m
  • Flow
    Medium, Slow and Stagnant

Biotope presentation

This rare fish (or perhaps rarely seen due to its mimicry) resides in rubble areas and rocky bottoms. It is found in reefs and lagoons, generally at shallow depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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