Latin name

Scorpaenopsis possi

Other name

Scorpaenopsis possi

Identification

Poss's scorpionfish has a large head, large eyes and large pectoral fins, with a shorter snout than other scorpionfish species. There are either no antennas above the eyes, or those that are present are noticeably smaller than the eyes themselves. There is a preocular spine, no other Scorpaenopsis species has this feature, connected by a low ridge to the postocular spine, which is absent in juveniles. This species is quite difficult to identify and resembles other Scorpaenopsis when observed in the wild. The tassels on the lower jaw are shorter and thinner and it is covered with large scales, numbering 43-50 scales along the lateral line. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has 12 spines and 9 soft rays, and the anal fin has 3 spines and 5 soft rays.

Fish colouring

These fish often have a white spot under and in front of the eye and a dark triangular spot under the eye. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region. It occurs along the coast of East Africa from the Gulf of Suez to South Africa, on islands in the western Indian Ocean, the Maldives and the Laccadive Islands, on islands in the eastern Andaman Sea, through Indonesia eastwards to French Polynesia and northwards to Japan. It is absent from the southwest Pacific and Fiji, where it is replaced by S. eschmeyeri. 

Habitat

This species is found at depths of 2 to 55 m (6 feet 7 inches and 180 feet 5 inches) on rocky or coral substrates.

Size

The maximum published standard length of this species is 19.4 cm (7.6 in).

Behavior

Poss's scorpionfish are usually solitary. 

Food and feeding habits

These are predators sitting in ambush, waiting for smaller fish to swim into range. 

Reproduction

Female poss's scorpionfish release eggs into the water which are fertilised by the male. The eggs then float to the surface and hatch. The newly hatched fish remain at the surface until they reach maturity. 

Fishing

No commercial interest in fishing.

Relationship with a person

The fins of this species are covered with poisonous spines.