yellowspotted scorpionfish

Scientific name Sebastapistes cyanostigma
Descriptor Bleeker
Year of description 1856
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Scorpaenidae
Genus Sebastapistes
Sebastapistes cyanostigma Sebastapistes cyanostigma

Introduction

The Sebastapistes cyanostigma, commonly known as the yellowspotted scorpionfish, is a small tropical predator closely related to the common scorpionfish found in the Mediterranean. It can be found from the Red Sea to Samoa, mainly in coral-rich areas.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
  • Average size
    7 cm
  • Maximum size
    10 cm
  • Shape
    Unclassifiable
  • Mimicry
    stone
  • Pattern
    ponctuations
  • Type
  • Average size
    7 cm
  • Maximum size
    10 cm
  • Shape
    Unclassifiable
  • Mimicry
    stone
  • Pattern
    ponctuations

How to recognize the yellowspotted scorpionfish ?

The color of this fish varies depending on the substrate, but it is commonly reddish in tone. It is characterized by white spots and small yellow dots across its body.

Sexual dimorphism

Dimorphism not specified.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    living in a group or alone
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    nocturnal

The yellowspotted scorpionfish resides on the seabed, alone or in small groups. It is a species that spends most of its time motionless, camouflaged in corals. It is a carnivorous predator specialized in hunting fish.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond en eau libre

The yellowspotted scorpionfish is an oviparous fish that lays eggs in open water.

Risks for humans

  • Venomous
    Yes

This species is venomous and can cause serious injuries when touched.

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
    2 - 30 m
  • Flow
    Medium, Slow and Stagnant

Biotope presentation

The yellowspotted scorpionfish is most commonly found at depths of less than 30 meters. However, it is not uncommon to find this fish at other depths.

This fish is found in reefs with rich coral growth. It appears to prefer the coral branches of the genus Pocillopora. It has also been observed among the branches of fire corals (Millepora) and Styllophora.

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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