Tassled Scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis oxycephala
Also known as: Firefish, Flathead Scorpionfish, Goblinfish, Smallscale Firefish, Smallscale Goblinfish, Smallscale Rockfish, Smallscale Scorpionfish, Smallscale Stingfish, Stingfish, Tasseled Goblinfish, Tasseled Rockfish, Weedy Stingfish, Scorpaenopsis oxycephalus
- Firefish
- Flathead Scorpionfish
- Goblinfish
- Smallscale Firefish
- Smallscale Goblinfish
- Smallscale Rockfish
- Smallscale Scorpionfish
- Smallscale Stingfish
- Stingfish
- Tasseled Goblinfish
- Tasseled Rockfish
- Weedy Stingfish
- Scorpaenopsis oxycephalus
Overview
Found singly, well camouflaged and blending in with their surroundings, over coral and rocky areas of clear water channels, and outer reef slopes. Adults are bearded with a number of tassels below the jaw, and highly variable in colour.
Scorpionfish are masters of camouflage, enabling them to lie in wait for their victims to come close, before lunging forward and inhaling their prey with their large mouths.
When disturbed they raise the spines along their backs and will usually move off out of harms way, however, if cornered they are able to charge at considerable speed.
Highly dangerous and poisonous with venomous spines along its back if trodden on etc., can cause death!
How to identify
- Head & Mouth
- beard
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-West Pacific
- Exact location · 2
- Country only · 121
Found singly, well camouflaged and blending in with their surroundings, over coral and rocky areas of clear water channels, and outer reef slopes.
Adult photos 124
Discussion
No comments yet. Seen one, or got a question about it? Start the discussion.
Deep dive
More in the family
Rockfishes (Scorpaenidae)

Broad-barred Firefish
Pteropterus antennatus

Dwarf Lionfish
Neochirus brachyptera

False Stonefish
Scorpaenopsis diabolus

Papuan Scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis papuensis

Poss's Scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis possi

Red Lionfish
Pterois volitans

Yellowfin Scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis neglecta

Ambon Scorpionfish
Pteroidichthys amboinensis
5 photos

Andover Lionfish
Pterois andover
1 photo

Barbfish
Scorpaena brasiliensis
5 photos

Barchin Scorpionfish
Sebastapistes strongia
10 photos

Black scorpionfish
Scorpaena porcus
6 photos