WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Spineblotch Scorpionfish

Sebastapistes mauritiana

Also known as: Devilfish, Mauritius Scorpionfish, Mauritius Stingfish, Spineblotch Stingfish, Stingfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2016
VenomousKeep your distance
Adult
@fishx6 · Gangehi, Maldives · March 20081 / 1
01

Overview

Found singly and secretive, well camouflaged over shallow, exposed surge zones of reef flats and lagoon reefs.
They feed nocturnally on small fish and swimming invertebrates.

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.

02

How to identify

Pattern
blotches
Body shape
spikestassels

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-Pacific
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found singly and secretive, well camouflaged over shallow, exposed surge zones of reef flats and lagoon reefs.

04

Adult photos 1

05

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

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    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderPerciformes
    5. familyScorpaenidae
    6. genusSebastapistes
    7. speciesSebastapistes mauritiana (Cuvier, 1829)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Rockfishes (Scorpaenidae)